Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa has appealed for calm in the disagreement between the Communication ministry and pay-TV operator Multichoice.
Benjamin Quarshie is advising that the matter be resolved through behind-the-scenes diplomacy rather than public exchanges.
The standoff began after Communication Minister Sam George threatened to shut down the South African-owned company’s operations in Ghana if it did not cut subscription charges within 14 days.
While the company initially appeared open to reviewing prices, it later clarified that it had not agreed to the ministry’s deadline – a statement that has since intensified tensions.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah, Mr. Quarshie revealed that South African authorities have privately expressed concern about the seemingly dispute being fought in the public domain.
“It is true, they’ve complained that we are doing this in the public domain. They want it done in the boardroom. The Foreign Affairs Minister has engaged them, and I can assure Ghanaians that diplomacy will resolve this matter,” he said.
The High Commissioner added that while Ghana’s demands for fairer pricing were legitimate, the process of negotiation must protect both consumers and investor relations.
The Communications Minister has argued that Ghanaians pay significantly higher fees for Multichoice services compared to subscribers in other African countries, insisting that the regulator is only enforcing fairness.
Multichoice, however, cites high operating costs and compliance obligations as reasons for its pricing structure.
The High Commissioner to South Africa stressed that the Communication Ministry’s challenge is to balance these competing interests.
“The interest of the Ghanaian people comes first, but we must also protect the business interest of investors who contribute to our economy,” he explained.
South Africa is one of Ghana’s key trading partners, and the High Commissioner warned that public confrontations could sour relations or create the perception of hostility, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
“South Africa is a big economy, one we need to learn from. We should not make it appear as though we are fighting. That does not bode well for intra-African trade,” he cautioned.
The High Commissioner reassured Ghanaians, including those in the diaspora, that the issue would be resolved without escalating into a trade war.
“There is no trade war. We will sit at the table, negotiate, and ensure that nobody loses. The Foreign Affairs Minister is leading the process, and I am confident we will arrive at an amicable solution,” he emphasized.
Source: Myjoyonline
