Minority Demands Full Transparency over AirtelTigo (AT) Merger Deal

—- Calls for Parliamentary Inquiry and Immediate Halt to Alleged Telecel Acquisition

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation of a lack of transparency in the ongoing processes involving the disposal, sale, or merger of AirtelTigo (now AT), Ghana’s only wholly state-owned telecommunications company.

Addressing a press conference in Accra, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Communications Committee, Hon. Mathew Nyindam, said the caucus is demanding an immediate halt to all ongoing merger or acquisition arrangements and a full-scale parliamentary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the proposed consolidation of AT.

He stressed that the Minority wants full disclosure of all agreements, correspondence, and reports, including recommendations by the government’s transaction advisors—particularly those relating to Afritel-Rektron, the firm initially engaged to inject capital into AT.

Hon. Nyindam accused the sector minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, of inconsistency, secrecy, and poor leadership, alleging that his handling of the matter has placed AT in jeopardy and diminished the value of the company.

According to him, the minister’s “oscillating policy positions” over the past six months have thrown the telecom industry into confusion, leading to revenue losses and staff uncertainty at AT.

“The minister has demonstrated a lack of corporate governance and transparency. His conflicting statements and actions have disrupted AT’s operations and created unnecessary instability in the sector,” he said.

Background of the AirtelTigo Takeover

In April 2021, the Akufo-Addo-led NPP government acquired 100% ownership of AirtelTigo for $1, safeguarding over 500 jobs and the interests of more than five million subscribers. The acquisition aimed to protect jobs, sustain competition in the telecom sector, and ensure Ghanaian participation in the digital economy.

However, after assuming office, Hon. Samuel George allegedly disputed the acquisition terms and claimed that $25 million was paid—an allegation the Minority says he has failed to substantiate.

Concerns Over Rektron and Telecel Deals The Minority further accused the Minister of reversing earlier commitments to partner with Afritel-Rektron, which had pledged $150 million in initial capital investment and up to $1 billion over five years to modernize AT’s operations.

Instead, the Minister is said to be pursuing a merger with Telecel, the new owners of Vodafone Ghana, under unclear terms. The caucus argues that Telecel is heavily indebted—owing more than $400 million—and has yet to deliver on its earlier promise to invest $500 million in its own network upgrade.

“It defies logic that the Minister will abandon a $1 billion investment proposal from Rektron for a merger with Telecel, which has little to offer in terms of fresh capital,” Hon. Nyindam asserted.

He also raised concerns over alleged conflicts of interest, claiming that Telecel’s recent public relations activities and sponsorships were “strategic attempts” to influence key decision-makers.

Minority’s Key Demands

The Minority Caucus outlined four major demands to ensure transparency and protect national interest, immediate suspension of the ongoing consolidation or merger transaction. Comprehensive parliamentary inquiry into the terms and processes of the proposed deal.

The Minority is also demanding for a full disclosure of all agreements, correspondence, and transaction advisory reports on Afritel-Rektron and an independent review of AT’s indebtedness to American Tower Company (ATC) to resolve current operational challenges.

Protecting a National Asset

The Minority insists that AT remains a strategic national asset and must be safeguarded to preserve jobs, sustain competition, and protect the country’s digital infrastructure.

“This is not merely about selling a company—it’s about protecting Ghana’s digital sovereignty,” Hon. Nyindam said, warning Telecel that any deal executed without transparency or parliamentary approval “will be reviewed and possibly reversed by a future government.”

The caucus also called on President John Dramani Mahama to “rein in” the Communications Minister and ensure that the process surrounding AT’s future is handled with integrity and accountability.

Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com