The Minority in Parliament has cast doubt on the financial viability of the planned restructuring involving AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, warning that Telecel’s indebtedness of over USD $400 million makes the deal risky and unsustainable for both staff and consumers.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Information and Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, said the transaction raises more red flags than assurances and risks burdening Ghana’s telecom industry with the financial liabilities of a distressed operator.
“It is technically, operationally, and financially unconscionable. Telecel has no exclusive expertise that the staff or management of AT do not possess. Telecel has indebtedness of over USD 400 million. It is our reasonable belief that Telecel only seeks to benefit from the over three million customers of AT and only seeks to shore up their customer base to over ten million with that cause,” the Minority stated.
The caucus argues that allowing a heavily indebted company to take control of a strategic national asset could compromise AT’s operational stability and ultimately affect millions of low-income subscribers who depend on its affordable voice services.
They also contend that the deal risks creating a monopoly-like structure in the telecom market that could lead to higher tariffs and fewer choices for consumers, especially if Telecel fails to invest adequately due to its debt overhang.
“The planned annihilation of AT by Telecel will rob Ghanaians of choice and the much-needed competition within the telecom industry,” the Minority warned, insisting the deal is designed “to dispose of a national asset to fill private pockets.”
The caucus has also raised concerns about the transparency and legality of the process, questioning why the transaction has not been subjected to parliamentary scrutiny, as required by law.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has clarified that the ongoing process is not a merger or acquisition, but a “force majeure situation” aimed at stabilising operations.
“This is not a merger, it is also not an acquisition. We are dealing with a force majeure situation and the work of the transaction advisor and the recommendations from their report will lay out a clear path for the consideration of government,” the Minister said at a press briefing.
He also assured AT Ghana workers that no job losses would occur and that customers’ interests would be safeguarded.
But the Minority remains unconvinced, insisting that the USD $400 million debt exposure could leave the state vulnerable, weaken the telecom sector, and erode the value of a national asset.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
