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GHC120K monthly saved after ending DSTV subscriptions at Jubilee House
GHC120K monthly saved after ending DSTV subscriptions at Jubilee House
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
The Mahama-led administration is saving taxpayers over GHC120,000 every month after halting satellite television subscriptions at the Jubilee House, according to Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision during an interview on JoyNews, Mr. Kwakye said the move forms part of government’s broader cost-cutting drive under its “reset agenda.”
“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.”
He described the expenditure as an irresponsible use of public funds, especially when such an amount could be redirected to solving basic infrastructure challenges.
“Do you know what GHC120,000 can do?” he asked, adding that the money could be used to “fix water pumps or replace materials needed for water supply in communities.”
Mr. Kwakye emphasized that under the new directive, no office within the Jubilee House is permitted to subscribe to DSTV or any other satellite television service. The administration, he revealed, is looking to extend the policy to all public institutions in a bid to reduce 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,” he noted.
“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 that the government will soon announce additional cost-saving measures under the ongoing fiscal reform efforts.
Mr. Kwakye praised President Mahama’s resolve to lead a leaner government and prioritize accountability in governance.
“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.”
As part of the government’s reset agenda — aimed at restoring fiscal discipline and accelerating development — the size of the ministerial team was reduced to 56, slightly below Mahama’s 60-minister cap.
The move comes at a time when DSTV subscribers across Africa have experienced a 15–18% increase in subscription costs as of April 1, 2025, due to inflation and other macroeconomic pressures. In Ghana, the Premium package rose from GHC750 to GHC865, with similarly sharp increases across all other tiers.
