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Hohoe MP Fires Back at Minority Over AT–Telecel Takeover Allegations
The Member of Parliament for Hohoe, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, who also serves as the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Communications Committee, has accused the Minority in Parliament of spreading “falsehoods” about the ongoing AT–Telecel takeover discussions.
The Minority has raised serious concerns regarding the proposed Telecel takeover of AT (formerly AirtelTigo), accusing the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, of rejecting a US$150 million investment bid from Rektron/Afritel in favour of what they describe as a “less transparent and questionable” deal with Telecel.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, described the minister’s handling of the transaction as “riddled with secrecy, inconsistencies and conflict of interest.” He warned that the deal could lead to the collapse of Ghana’s only wholly state-owned telecommunications company.
“The minister’s management of this transaction lacks transparency and proper direction. It is riddled with inconsistencies and self-interest, and risks handing over a critical national asset to a private foreign company without accountability,” Mr. Nyindam stated.
According to the Minority, the Rektron/Afritel proposal offered far more value than the Telecel arrangement. Their statement noted that Rektron/Afritel had outlined a long-term investment plan of up to US$1 billion over five years, including expanding AT’s network, modernising infrastructure, and strengthening both 4G and 5G capacity.
They also said the deal included provisions for technology transfer, job creation, and greater Ghanaian participation in the telecom value chain.
However, the Minority claims the minister sidelined the Rektron/Afritel offer in favour of a US$50 million Telecel arrangement a decision they say “defies logic.”
“How does one reject a US$150 million investment proposal with a billion-dollar expansion plan for a deal that brings only US$50 million to the table?” Mr. Nyindam questioned.
The Minority further accused the minister of causing financial losses to AT through mismanagement and failure to honour key contractual obligations, including a US$5 million payment owed to American Tower Company, a key AT service provider.
“It is very sad to see my senior colleagues in Parliament disgrace themselves two days ago. A little patience and research would have solved the problem they have created,” he said.
He clarified that AT customers were not “forced” into roaming services as claimed, but rather a temporary arrangement was reached due to AT’s huge debt.
“AT owed a huge sum of money to its partners and was on the verge of being disconnected. The Minister had to intervene and reach an agreement with Telecel to move customers temporarily for 120 days. This is to allow the Minister and partners to sit at the table and resolve the matter. I am an AT customer, and there have been no job losses or network disruptions.”
Mr. Tsekpo also rejected claims that the minister had sold AT to Telecel.
“I am shocked because I’m on the same committee with them. If something like that had happened, we would have been the first to know as committee members.”
He explained that the AT takeover process has followed an established roadmap. Several interested groups, he said, had previously shown interest but pulled out due to the massive debt burden on the company.
BY AJ PRINCE KPABITEY