Minority Caucus slams minister’s handling of AT acquisition, demands transparency, Parliamentary scrutiny

The Minority on the Information and Communication Committee of Parliament Wednesday expressed concerns over the Minister of Communication’s alleged handling of the proposed acquisition of AT, formerly AirtelTigo, by Telecel, formerly Vodafone.

The group described the process as “shrouded in secrecy” and lacking transparency.

Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps in Parliament House, Accra, on the “Disposal/Sale/Merger and Consolidation of AT formerly AirtelTigo”  Mr Matthew Nyindam, the Ranking Member on the Information and Communication Committee of Parliament, said, “We are not oblivious of the newfound relationship between the minister and Telecel.”

“We take notice of the lobbying and alleged private gains this transaction presents to the minister,” he added.

Owing to that, the Minority Caucus demanded an immediate stop to the current alleged consolidation/acquisition/merger transaction, a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry into the circumstances and terms of the proposed consolidation, and full disclosure of all agreements, correspondence, and reports.

“We will not sit idly by and allow a single minister to unilaterally dispose of a critical national asset such as AT.

“The strategic importance of this company to our national infrastructure, digital sovereignty, and economic development cannot be overstated,” he noted.

The Minority Caucus also expressed concerns about the potential impact on jobs, livelihoods, and the telecom sector, citing the alleged risk of AT’s 300 employees, 200 contract staff, and over 10,000 indirect employees being affected.

“We stand with the many Ghanaians who believe, and rightly so, that the planned annexation of AT by Telecel will rob them of choice and the much-needed competition within the telecom space,” he said.

Last week, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, addressed the ongoing discussions about Telecel and AT.

In his address, the Minister clarified that the arrangement was neither a merger nor an acquisition but rather a restructuring aimed at addressing AT’s accumulated debts and strengthening the sector. While the form may not qualify as a legal merger, in substance, the outcome is similar, as the two companies will operate as one entity in the market.

At present, MTN holds a commanding 73.87 per cent market share, while AT controls 7.82 per cent and Telecel 18.3 per cent.

Even when combined, the new entity would account for less than 30 per cent of the market.

Source: GNA

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