Africa Live News
The government is preparing to step up its fight against illegal pay-TV streaming, with plans to block internet addresses linked to unauthorised access to television content awaiting final legal clearance from the Attorney-General.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, says the technical preparations for the proposed enforcement measures have been completed, leaving the government to secure the necessary legal approval before implementation.
Speaking at a joint press briefing with Canal+ and MultiChoice Ghana on Monday, October 26, the minister indicated that the government was ready to move beyond discussions and begin taking action against piracy.
“The real clampdown is about to begin,” he said.
Mr George explained that the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Cyber Security Authority had reviewed the proposed measures, including the blocking of internet protocol (IP) addresses associated with illegal streaming activities.
According to the minister, the government has put the necessary technical arrangements in place but wants to ensure that the enforcement process complies with the law before proceeding.
“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 proposed intervention forms part of a broader effort to curb the unauthorised distribution and viewing of pay-TV content, an issue that has raised concerns among television operators whose services are accessed through paid subscriptions.
Illegal streaming allows users to access television programmes, films and live sporting events through platforms that distribute content without the required authorisation. Such services can undermine legitimate subscription businesses and raise questions about copyright protection and the enforcement of broadcasting rights.
The government’s planned action is expected to focus on identifying and disrupting internet addresses used to distribute or provide access to pirated pay-TV content.
However, the timing of the rollout remains uncertain, as the minister did not announce a specific date for the start of enforcement.
Mr George stressed that securing legal clearance was necessary to ensure that the measures could withstand legal scrutiny. While the technical preparations may be complete, the government wants to establish a firm legal basis for the intervention before it begins blocking internet addresses.
“Technically we’re good to go, we just want to make sure that we’re legally good,” he said.
The minister, who has a legal background, added that he wanted the Attorney-General’s approval before proceeding.
“I’m also a lawyer, I have no excuse. So let me get the attorney general’s all clear so that I can proceed safely,” he said.
The emphasis on legal approval highlights one of the key considerations in implementing internet restrictions. Any blocking measures must be supported by the applicable law and carried out in a manner that clearly identifies the targeted services while addressing the possibility of unintended consequences.
The effectiveness of the proposed crackdown will also depend on the authorities’ ability to identify illegal streaming operations and respond as those behind them change their methods.
The latest development comes after the government engaged Canal+ and MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, over subscription costs and access to pay-TV services in the country.
Those discussions have resulted in four revised subscription packages scheduled to take effect on November 5. The new monthly prices will range from GH¢50 to GH¢570, providing subscribers with options at different price levels.
The revised packages form part of the government’s effort to address affordability concerns while encouraging consumers to access television content through authorised services.
For subscribers, the availability of lower-priced options could offer greater flexibility in choosing a package that matches their budgets and viewing preferences. The actual impact, however, will depend on the channels included in each package and whether the revised prices meet the needs of different households.
The government’s approach therefore combines two measures: expanding access to legitimate pay-TV subscriptions through revised pricing arrangements and strengthening enforcement against illegal streaming.
The two measures address different aspects of the same challenge. While affordability can influence whether consumers choose paid services, enforcement is intended to discourage the use of unauthorised platforms that distribute copyrighted content without permission.
For Canal+ and MultiChoice Ghana, the crackdown could help protect the commercial value of their content and subscription services. For the government, it presents an opportunity to strengthen compliance with copyright and broadcasting requirements while encouraging the use of authorised platforms.
Nevertheless, blocking internet addresses may not eliminate piracy on its own. Illegal streaming operators can shift to new domains, use alternative distribution channels or change the technical methods through which they deliver content.
The extent to which the planned measures succeed will depend on sustained monitoring, cooperation between regulators and service providers, and the ability to respond to new methods of distributing pirated material.
There will also be a need to ensure that legitimate websites and online services are not affected by enforcement actions directed at suspected piracy operations.
The government has yet to disclose the full operational details of the planned blocking system or indicate when the Attorney-General is expected to provide the final clearance.
For now, the authorities say the technical framework is ready, but implementation remains subject to the completion of the legal process.
The planned crackdown signals a firmer approach to illegal pay-TV streaming in Ghana, as the government seeks to balance affordable access to television services with the protection of content owners and legitimate operators.
