Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has revealed that an amount of GHC120,000 is being saved monthly by the incumbent administration after discontinuing all DSTV and other satellite TV subscription payments at the Jubilee House.

Engaging the media, the minister noted that paying such an amount was not a rational way to spend taxpayers' money.

"When we came to the Jubilee House, there were subscriptions to satellite television in addition to the local channels that we watch. When we took stock of how much it costs to pay for the satellite subscription, we noticed that in a month, we spent GHC120,000. Just paying for subscriptions to satellite channels."

"Do you know what GHC120,000 can do?" the minister quizzed.

He noted that such an amount can be used to address water challenges in communities by either fixing pumps or replacing materials needed for water supply.

The cancellation of satellite TV subscription payments forms part of the government's reset agenda to cut costs and save the taxpayers' money.

Currently, there's no office in Jubilee House that is allowed to subscribe to DSTV or any satellite television.

Speaking during an appearance on JoyNews, Mr Kwakye revealed that the ban on the use of DSTV and other satellite television subscriptions at the Jubilee House will eventually be extended to all other government agencies and institutions.

He noted that while the decision might appear "trivial," an internal review revealed that satellite TV subscriptions were accounting for a considerable share of operational expenses.

“You would say that that is a trivial matter, but he has done that. Because when you computed the cost, it was significant money.”

“You can turn on the television that you see here, you will find that I'm only limited to local television stations. It is something that will be extended to all government agencies to ensure that we don't waste the taxpayers' money,” he added.

More cost-cutting measures are currently being discussed, the Government Communications Minister said, adding that they will soon be announced.

President Mahama is committed to ensuring accountability and transparency as well as eliminating unnecessary government expenditure to save the public purse.

“This is a man deeply committed to making savings for the Ghanaian people. Governance necessarily involves taking tough decisions… but the citizenry must see corresponding levels of modesty on the part of government officials—and that’s what President Mahama is committed to doing,” he said.

The Mahama-led administration entered office with what he describes as a "reset agenda," an economic recovery and social transformation move to help stabilise and ensure economic growth.

Some of the cost-cutting initiatives implemented by the government since assuming office include a reduction in government size, where he reduced the number of ministers to 56 ministers, four short of his 60-minister cap.

Subscribers of DStv across Africa, effective April 1, 2025, experienced a price increase of over 15% on their monthly subscription fees.

The pay-TV provider cited rising consumer inflation and economic challenges as key factors influencing the decision.

According to the new pricing structure, in Ghana, the cost of the premium package rose from GHC750 to GHC865, representing a 15.33% increase. The Compact Plus package moved from GHC495 to GHC570, marking a 15.15% jump, while the Compact package increased from GHC330 to GHC380, also reflecting a 15.15% rise.

The Family package now costs GHC190, up from GHC165, indicating a 15.15% increase, whereas the Access package went up by 16.47%, from GHC85 to GHC99.

Subscribers to the DStv Lite package experienced the highest percentage surge of 18.00%, moving from GHC50 to GHC59. The DStv-Asia Standalone package climbed by 14.75%, from GHC305 to GHC350. The Great Wall Add-on increased from GHC70 to GHC80, marking a 14.29% rise.

For those subscribed to the French content add-ons, the French Add-on now costs GHC250, up from GHC215 (16.28% increase), while the French Plus Add-on rose from GHC435 to GHC500, reflecting a 14.94% increase. The French Touch Add-on costs GHC150, up from GHC130, marking a 15.38% increase.

The cost of premium packages with add-ons has also been adjusted. Premium with Asia Add-on increased from GHC1,055 to GHC1,215 (15.17% increase), while Premium with French Add-on now costs GHC1,365, up from GHC1,185 (15.19% increase). The HD-PVR service rose by 15.00%, from GHC100 to GHC115.