Telecel dismisses minority’s claims of secret takeover of AT Ghana
Telecel Ghana has dismissed allegations by the Minority in Parliament suggesting its involvement in a secret takeover of AT Ghana, describing the claims as “misleading” and “inaccurate.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 16, the company clarified that its engagement with AT Ghana was based on a directive from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to provide national roaming support. This intervention followed the shutdown of AT Ghana’s network sites in August by ATC Ghana over unpaid debts.
“Without this intervention, AT customers would not have been able to use mobile voice and data services across the country,” Telecel stated, noting that the arrangement is temporary and pending the outcome of assessments by government-appointed transaction advisor, KPMG.
The company also dismissed claims of financial distress, insisting it remains profitable with year-to-date net earnings in the hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis. It revealed that it has invested over US$240 million since acquiring the business in 2023 — significantly higher than the US$10 million figure cited by the Minority.
Telecel explained that these funds have gone into clearing legacy debts, expanding and modernising network infrastructure, and improving digital services nationwide. The company added that none of its over 600 employees have been laid off, and it continues to be recognised as a Top Employer.
Responding to claims that its recent corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives were politically driven, Telecel highlighted several projects under its Ghana Medical Trust Fund, including donations of advanced cervical cancer screening equipment to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital.
It also cited ongoing support for the One Million Coders Programme and sponsorship of various traditional festivals across the country, including in Kwahu, Osu, Ningo, Prampram, La, Cape Coast, and Gomoa Dawurampong.
“All requests for sponsorship have come from the various Traditional Councils and not the Minister. It therefore beats one’s imagination that our support for this year’s Homowo Festival, one among many others, could be interpreted as an attempt to influence decisions concerning AT,” the statement said.
Telecel reaffirmed that it operates legally in Ghana under the name Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, with the Government of Ghana retaining a 30 per cent stake.
“Telecel remains open to engaging constructively with all relevant stakeholders to provide factual information and ensure that public discourse on this matter is guided by fact,” the company stated, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, ethical conduct, and expanding digital access nationwide.
“We encourage the public to disregard any statements that misrepresent Telecel’s role, integrity, or intentions,” the statement said.
Read the entire statement below;