On Monday, October 26, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George announced that Ghana’s government is poised to block internet addresses used for illegal pay‑TV streaming. The move follows the launch of four revised DStv subscription packages, set to take effect on November 5, with monthly fees ranging from GH¢50 to GH¢570.
George told a joint press briefing with Canal+ and MultiChoice Ghana that the technical framework for the enforcement measures is in place. The National Communications Authority and the Cyber Security Authority have reviewed the proposed IP‑blocking actions, and the government is now awaiting final legal clearance from the Attorney‑General before implementation.
“The real clampdown is about to begin,” George said. “We’ve put in place the mechanism to be able to deal with those ramifications and we just need the AG’s all clear.” He added that, as a lawyer, he is “also a lawyer, I have no excuse,” and that the government will proceed only once the legal basis is confirmed.
The crackdown marks a shift from the government’s earlier focus on making subscriptions affordable to actively enforcing against piracy. The new DStv packages aim to provide affordable options while the enforcement arm targets unauthorised access to pay‑TV content.
While the exact rollout date remains undetermined, the anti‑piracy drive will target illegal streaming services. Its success will hinge on regulators’ ability to identify and disrupt illicit distribution channels.
