Government Clarifies AT-Telecel Deal: Not a Merger or Acquisition
Accra ,Ghana – September 5,2025 - The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has emphasized that the ongoing deal between AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) and Telecel Ghana is neither a merger nor an acquisition. According to Sam George, the agreement aims to create a stronger competitor in the country's telecom market, particularly against dominant player MTN Ghana.
The government has been working to secure the future of struggling mobile operator AT Ghana through a deal with Telecel Ghana. The agreement involves migrating AT Ghana's 3.2 million subscribers to Telecel's network, a process described as 98% successful. All 300 permanent staff of AT Ghana will retain their jobs, with the government assuring that there will be no service disruption during the transition.
The Minister emphasized that the alternative to this deal would be to continue subsidizing failure, which is not an option.According to him ,the government aims to create a viable, competitive Ghanaian champion that can deliver wider 4G coverage, fewer call dropouts, and faster data speeds, while accelerating 5G readiness and rural expansion.
The AT-Telecel deal has sparked interest in the telecom sector, with many awaiting the outcome of the regulatory approval process. If successful, the deal could significantly alter the competitive landscape of Ghana's telecom market, potentially benefiting consumers through improved services and increased competition.
Key Highlights of the Deal
- Job Security: Minister George assured that all 300 AT Ghana staff will keep their jobs, with human resource alignment targeted for completion by the end of September.
- Commercial Restructuring: A new business framework is expected to be finalized within 120 days, with the government and private sector partners expected to contribute approximately $600 million in new investment over the next four years.
- Market Competition: The merged entity is projected to command around 26% of subscriptions, creating a clearer counter-weight to MTN's dominance, which currently stands at 73%.
- Regulatory Approval: The deal still requires regulatory clearance before it becomes effective.
Source – Lead News Online/ Leticia Okpoti
