The government is awaiting final legal approval from the Attorney-General before implementing measures to block internet addresses used to access illegal pay-TV streams, as it prepares to step up its fight against piracy. Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the technical framework for the enforcement exercise was ready, with the government now seeking legal clearance to ensure the proposed measures can withstand legal scrutiny.
“The real clampdown is about to begin,” he said at a joint press briefing with Canal+ and MultiChoice Ghana on Monday, October 26. According to the Minister, the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Cyber Security Authority have reviewed the proposed measures, which include blocking internet protocol (IP) addresses linked to illegal streaming activities.
“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 said. The planned crackdown signals a shift in the government’s approach, moving beyond efforts to make pay-TV subscriptions more affordable towards stricter enforcement against illegal access to broadcasting services.
Following engagements between the government, Canal+ and MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, four revised subscription packages have been introduced and are scheduled to take effect on November 5. The new packages will cost between GH¢50 and GH¢570 per month.
The revised pricing structure is expected to provide subscribers with more affordable options across different price ranges as the government works to encourage legitimate access to pay-TV services ahead of the planned enforcement drive. The Minister explained that the government was taking a cautious approach to ensure the proposed enforcement measures had a sound legal foundation before they were implemented, given the potential legal implications of blocking IP addresses.
“Technically we’re good to go, we just want to make sure that we’re legally good,” he said. Mr George, who is also a trained lawyer, stressed the importance of obtaining the necessary legal clearance before proceeding. “I’m also a lawyer, I have no excuse. So let me get the Attorney-Generals all clear so that I can proceed safely,” he added.
He did not disclose a specific timeline for the rollout, suggesting that the government was still working through the necessary legal procedures. The planned anti-piracy campaign is expected to focus on preventing unauthorised access to pay-TV content, including through illegal streaming platforms. However, its success will largely depend on effective enforcement and regulators’ ability to identify and disrupt channels used to distribute copyrighted content illegally.
The government’s approach combines more affordable subscription packages with stricter measures against piracy, seeking to encourage the use of legitimate pay-TV services while safeguarding the commercial interests of operators.
