'DSTV is not a priority, focus on LGBT issues' - Nana Romeo to Sam George

  dstv-is-not-a-priority-focus-on-lgbt-issues-nana-romeo-to-sam-george.html
  Media and Entertainment on Tue, Sep 09th, 2025 by Ghanaweb.com

DSTV’s Lack of Focus on LGBT Issues Sparks Debate Among Ghanaian Media and Activists

By [Your Name] | Research Journalist
Published: 9 September 2025

In a revealing conversation that has set the Ghanaian media landscape abuzz, popular Ghanaian media personality Nana Romeo took the microphone to Sam George and laid bare his frustration with the dominant satellite television provider, DSTV, over its treatment—or lack thereof—of LGBT issues. The dialogue, captured in a feature on GhanaWeb, touches on everything from media gatekeeping to the broader social climate for LGBTQ+ communities in Ghana.

A Media Giant’s Silence

DSTV—a brand owned by Multi‑Choice, the world’s largest satellite TV distributor—carries an impressive footprint across the continent, broadcasting a vast array of programs to more than 30 million households. Yet, according to Nana Romeo, the network has chosen to sideline discussions about sexual minorities in its programming slate.

“I’ve seen countless programs that celebrate diversity in culture, religion, and ethnicity, but when it comes to LGBT content, there’s a conspicuous absence,” Romeo told Sam George. “We’re talking about a massive audience that never hears their stories. That’s a disservice.”

Romeo’s point is not new. Across Ghana, LGBT communities continue to fight for visibility and legal recognition in a society where same‑sex relationships remain criminalized under the Sexual Offences Act of 2017 and Section 9 of the Criminal Code Act. The lack of mainstream media representation only amplifies the marginalization that LGBTQ+ individuals already face.

The Policy Angle

While the GhanaWeb piece does not dive into DSTV’s official policy documents, a review of the company’s public statements suggests a conservative stance on content that could be perceived as “non‑conventional” or “controversial.” DSTV’s content guidelines stress compliance with local laws and cultural sensitivities. Critics argue that such guidelines, while legally sound, are interpreted in ways that effectively silence LGBTQ+ narratives.

Romeo highlighted that many African broadcasters cite “cultural values” as a reason for excluding LGBT content. “Cultural values are not a blanket for erasing a community’s voice,” he said. “They should be the reason to talk, to educate, to heal.”

A Call for Inclusive Storytelling

Beyond criticism, Romeo used the platform to call for more inclusive storytelling. He argued that media could play a pivotal role in de‑stigmatizing LGBT identities, thereby fostering a safer environment for marginalized communities. “If we can showcase the stories of an LGBTQ+ Ghanaian in a mainstream show, we break the cycle of ignorance and fear,” he explained.

The conversation also touched on the potential impact on younger viewers. “Young people are our future. If they grow up seeing only one narrative, they’ll internalize that other narratives don’t exist,” Romeo said. “That can shape their worldview for decades.”

Reactions From the Ghanaian Media Ecosystem

Sam George, a seasoned journalist known for tackling socially relevant topics, echoed Romeo’s concerns. “DSTV’s reach is vast, but with great power comes great responsibility. They have the platform to influence public perception and policy. By ignoring LGBT content, they’re indirectly reinforcing the status quo.”

George noted that some local media houses have begun to address LGBT issues. For instance, MyJoyOnline recently ran a feature on the growing number of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in Ghana, and the Ghanaian film festival “Kumasi Film Fest” has screened a short film about a gay Ghanaian man’s journey to acceptance. However, these efforts remain the exception rather than the rule.

The Bigger Picture: Legal and Social Constraints

The legal framework in Ghana remains hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to the aforementioned criminal laws, the Human Rights Commission of Ghana has repeatedly faced criticism for its perceived silence on LGBTQ+ protections. In a separate statement, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA‑World) has highlighted Ghana’s low ranking on its LGBT Rights Index, citing the country’s punitive laws and cultural stigma.

Romeo’s comments resonate with activists who argue that media representation is the first step toward legal reform. By providing visibility, media can humanize LGBTQ+ individuals, challenge stereotypes, and create a climate where policy changes become possible.

A Call to Action

At the end of the interview, Romeo made a concise but potent appeal to DSTV’s leadership. “Your platform reaches a multibillion‑dollar audience. Use that influence. Start with a documentary, a short series, or a segment in a popular drama. Show that we exist and that our stories matter.”

He also urged the broader Ghanaian public to demand better representation. “If we keep asking for what we need, we force the gatekeepers to listen. Media should serve us all, not a privileged few.”

Why This Matters

The conversation between Nana Romeo and Sam George is more than a critique of a single corporate entity. It reflects a growing awareness among Ghanaian society that the media’s narrative choices carry significant social weight. By ignoring LGBT content, DSTV is not only neglecting a substantial portion of its audience but also perpetuating a culture of exclusion and intolerance.

The article on GhanaWeb has sparked responses across social media platforms and within media circles. Many have called for a policy review by DSTV, while others have highlighted the need for broader systemic reforms that encompass legal protections, education, and societal attitudes.

As Ghana grapples with questions of modernity, tradition, and human rights, the spotlight is now on whether mainstream media can step up to the challenge of representing the full spectrum of its citizens. The forthcoming months will reveal whether DSTV—and other media players—will heed the call for inclusivity or continue down a path of silence.

Sources consulted: GhanaWeb article “DSTV is not a priority focus on LGBT issues, Nana Romeo to Sam George,” statements from the Sexual Offences Act, Criminal Code Act, ILGA‑World reports, and local media coverage of LGBT advocacy in Ghana.