Ghana to Merge Telecom Giants, Aims to Strengthen Sector and Stop Mounting Losses
Explaining the rationale for the merger, Hon. George said the integration would reduce costs, remove duplications, and create a more competitive telecom operator.
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to merge AT (formerly AirtelTigo) with Telecel Ghana in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s telecom sector and curbing mounting financial losses.
At a staff engagement held at AT’s Head Office in Accra, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), assured employees and customers that their interests will be safeguarded throughout the process.
“All 300 permanent employees of AT will be retained under the new entity. This is not a re-application process. It is a continuation of your contracts. Every one of you will be absorbed, unless you personally choose to leave.”
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
The Minister revealed that AT had incurred over $10 million in losses within the first eight months of the year, funds which had been subsidized by taxpayers.
“These losses are funded by taxpayers. That is money that should be building roads, water systems, and schools. We cannot keep pouring public funds into unsustainable operations. It makes no sense for two networks to operate separately on the same tower, both paying twice while both struggle. A merger is the smart and sustainable choice.”
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
Explaining the rationale for the merger, Hon. George said the integration would reduce costs, remove duplications, and create a more competitive telecom operator.
According to him, more than 3.2 million AT subscribers are already being migrated to Telecel’s network under a national roaming arrangement, which he described as “98% smooth.”
The merger will roll out in three phases:
- Technical migration: already near completion, with roaming operational.
- Human resource alignment: ensuring all staff are absorbed before the end of September.
- Commercial restructuring: to be completed within 120 days, setting up the merged company’s framework.
On funding, the Minister disclosed that sustaining the new operator will require an investment of $600 million over the next four years. He confirmed that the government will contribute resources, including proceeds from spectrum sales, while encouraging Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
