Media conglomerate Vivendi’s Canal+, which already owns more than a third of MultiChoice—the parent company of Africa’s largest pay-TV operator, DStv—has expressed readiness to engage with Ghana’s regulator to address the ongoing dispute between MultiChoice Ghana and the government over subscription rates.
According to the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, the French media group has shown a more constructive approach to the matter compared to the current MultiChoice management.
Speaking in a radio interview with Joy FM on Tuesday, August 12, he explained that Canal+ had reached out to him directly after being briefed on the situation.
“They are aware of the situation going on here in Ghana, and I have made it clear to them,” he stated. “If they want to come into Ghana and operate on the licence of the company they are acquiring, this is our request. They have made certain indications, and I told them I want it in writing.”
The minister noted that Canal+ recently received anti-trust clearance from South African regulators to proceed with the full takeover of MultiChoice, a process expected to be completed by October. He said the new owners are likely to assume control from September.
“I don’t want to take public policy decisions on the basis of phone calls that have been made to me,” Mr George stressed. “I’ve asked them to put it in an official letter. Canal+ is willing to talk to us, and I will not run from the fact that their attitude is more positive than that of MultiChoice.”
Source: MyNewsGh.com
