Why DSTV Compact is Costing Ghanaians More in 2025, Even as the Cedi Stabilizes.
- bernard boateng
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Ghanaians have seen steady increases in the local prices of everyday services but the latest data on DSTV Compact subscriptions reveals a sharp spike in 2025, both in Ghana cedis and US dollar equivalents. What’s causing this surge, and what does it tell us about inflation, FX policy, and consumer cost burdens?
1. A 5-Year Price Journey
From ₵140 in 2020 to ₵380 in 2025, DSTV Compact subscription prices have nearly tripled. While the exchange rate played a major role between 2020 and 2023 pushing up USD equivalents, 2025 tells a different story.
2. The Exchange Rate Effect
Between 2020 and 2023, the cedi depreciated sharply:
2020: 5.62
2023: 10.95
This led to DSTV Compact’s USD value dropping from $24.93 (2020) to $20.08 (2023), despite the GHS price rising from ₵140 to ₵220.
3. 2024 Recovery, 2025 Shock
In 2024, the cedi weakened further to 15.24, but 2025 saw a recovery to 10.30. However, instead of prices moderating, DSTV Compact jumped to ₵380 resulting in the highest USD value ($36.89) in six years. This defies typical exchange rate logic.
4. What’s Driving the Surge?
Input costs: Multichoice may be adjusting prices to reflect new licensing fees, satellite costs, or inflationary pressures.
FX Lag Effect: Pricing decisions might be based on older FX forecasts or hedging strategies.
Market power: DSTV still dominates Ghana’s pay-TV market with few substitutes at its price tier.
5. Implications for Consumers
This trend points to a broader issue local currency stabilization doesn’t always translate into lower prices. Consumers are paying more in both local and foreign terms, which erodes purchasing power.
Conclusion
The 2025 DSTV Compact pricing is a signal to watch, not just for entertainment consumers, but for policymakers. It highlights the complex interplay between exchange rates, inflation, and corporate pricing behavior. Ghana’s inflation fight may be turning, but without price moderation in essential services, households will continue to feel the pinch.
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