The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly objected to what it describes as a clandestine attempt by the government to sell or merge state-owned telecommunications company, AT (formerly AirtelTigo), with Telecel Ghana.
At a press conference in Accra today, the Minority accused the Minister of Communications, Hon. Sam George, of “policy inconsistency, incompetence and lack of transparency” in handling the future of AT, a company they insist remains a strategic national asset.
According to the group, recent moves by the government to merge AT with Telecel amount to “an unholy alliance” that will rob Ghanaians of competition in the telecom space and hand a vital national asset to private interests.
“We stand with the over 300 workers of AT, the 200 contract staff, and the thousands of indirect employees who will lose their livelihoods if this reckless decision goes through,” the Minority Spokesperson stated.
Background
AT was formed in 2018 through a merger between Airtel and Tigo, with the Government of Ghana holding 25 percent shares. Following financial challenges, the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration acquired 100 percent ownership of the company in 2021 for one dollar, ostensibly to safeguard jobs and maintain Ghanaian participation in the telecom sector.
The Minority explained that the previous government had developed a blueprint for recapitalising AT through private sector partnerships, leading to Deloitte Ghana’s engagement to identify strategic investors. Firms such as Hannam & Partners, Celsation, and Afritel emerged as top contenders, with Afritel and its partner Rektron reportedly committing US$150 million in initial investment and up to US$1 billion over five years.
However, the caucus alleged that Minister Sam George has since abandoned the Afritel-Rektron arrangement and is now pushing for a merger between AT and Telecel — a move they claim lacks financial and technical justification.
“A Questionable Deal”
The Minority contends that the Minister’s handling of the AT issue has been riddled with contradictions.
They cited several public announcements — including an MoU with Rektron and subsequent denials of any merger — as evidence of confusion and lack of direction.
They further claimed that the Minister’s “retreat” from earlier agreements was influenced by undisclosed private interests.
“We take notice of the lobbying and alleged private gains this transaction presents to the Minister. We will not sit idly by and allow a single Minister to dispose of a critical national asset in secrecy,” the statement read.
The caucus also alleged that Telecel has failed to honour previous investment pledges following its acquisition of Vodafone Ghana and is currently indebted to the tune of over US$400 million, questioning its capacity to manage AT.
Concerns Over Jobs and National Assets
The group warned that merging AT with Telecel could lead to mass layoffs, affect over 10,000 indirect jobs, and jeopardize ongoing national projects such as the $50 million World Bank-funded Digital Infrastructure Venture (DIV) project that relies on AT’s network.
They maintained that AT plays a vital role in ensuring competition and affordable telecom services, particularly for low-income users.
“The planned merger will create a duopoly dominated by MTN and Telecel, which will effectively operate as a monopoly to the detriment of consumers,” they cautioned.
Minority’s Demands
The caucus has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately intervene and halt the proposed transaction.
They are demanding:
- An immediate suspension of any ongoing consolidation or merger talks.
- A full parliamentary inquiry into the deal.
- Public disclosure of all agreements and reports relating to AT’s future.
- Resolution of the company’s debt issues with the American Tower Company (ATC).
The Minority also issued a stern warning to Telecel Group, cautioning that any deal entered into “under irregular or unlawful circumstances” will be subject to future review and possible reversal.
“This is not merely about the sale of a company; it is about protecting a national institution that has served Ghana diligently,” the group concluded.
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