Presidential staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah, has waded into the ongoing standoff between the Government of Ghana and South African media giant Multichoice, stressing that the country’s need for foreign investment does not equate to tolerating disregard for national laws and consumer interests.
Speaking on JoyNews, Nana Yaa Jantuah backed Communications Minister Sam George’s strong stance against the company, saying that Ghana’s sovereignty must not be undermined in the name of attracting investors.
“The fact that we need the investor does not mean that we should allow anything to happen,” she stated firmly. “When you’re in a sovereign state, you must succumb to the rules, regulations, and actions of that sovereign.”
She referenced an earlier move by the presidency to cut ties with DSTV services at the Jubilee House, calling it a clear signal to Multichoice that all was not well.
“I thought the first time the President decided to cut the TV, it should have been a cue for them,” she said. “If you are in a country as an investor, and the Presidency decides not to use your product, what does it mean? It should have told them there is a problem.”
Nana Jantuah’s comments come amid heightened tensions after Communications Minister Sam George issued a 14-day ultimatum to Multichoice, operators of DSTV, demanding a reduction in subscription fees. The minister accused the company of charging Ghanaians significantly higher rates compared to consumers in other African countries.
While Multichoice initially hinted at a willingness to review pricing, it later clarified that it could not commit to the government’s deadline. This sparked public debate and raised concerns over potential damage to diplomatic relations with South Africa.
Presidential staffer Jantuah, however, insists that such matters must be viewed through the lens of national sovereignty and consumer protection, not merely diplomacy.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu
