The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to immediately suspend the ongoing restructuring process between AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, warning that the move could jeopardise Ghana’s strategic interests if it proceeds without parliamentary oversight.
At a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, the Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Matthew Nyindam, described the transaction as one that goes beyond business, stressing that it concerns the preservation of a vital national asset.
“This is not merely about the sale of a company,” Mr Nyindam declared. “It is about protecting national institutions that have served Ghana diligently, nurtured some of the finest talents in the industry, and proved their strategic importance in moments of national crisis.”
He emphasised that the future of AT Ghana must remain firmly in Ghanaian hands, adding that the company’s legacy and role in national development could not be compromised. “We must act decisively to ensure that AT remains in the hands of Ghanaians and continues to serve customers of our digital and economic future,” he said.
The Minority has, therefore, called for an immediate halt to the ongoing consolidation process and demanded a comprehensive parliamentary probe into the circumstances surrounding the transaction. The group also wants government to release all relevant documents, including reports, correspondence, and advice from AFROTEX/Rektron—the transaction advisor engaged to assess the “highest and best use” of AT Ghana.
Mr Nyindam further pressed for a detailed financial evaluation of AT Ghana to determine its current debt position and to resolve the operational and service delivery issues that have recently plagued the company. He stressed that Parliament’s involvement was non-negotiable. “Any decision regarding the future of AT must be subject to full parliamentary scrutiny,” he stated.
His comments follow recent assurances from the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who sought to clarify the nature of the ongoing process. At a press conference held on September 5, Mr George rejected claims that the development was either a merger or an acquisition, noting instead that it was a response to unforeseen operational challenges.
“This is not a merger, it is also not an acquisition,” the Minister explained. “We are dealing with a force majeure situation, and the recommendations from the transaction advisor will lay out a clear path for government consideration.”
According to the Ministry, the restructuring seeks to build a stronger telecommunications company that can withstand competition and improve service delivery, with assurances that no jobs would be lost and customer interests would be safeguarded.
Despite these assurances, the Minority insists that transparency and accountability must underpin every aspect of the process. Mr Nyindam reiterated that the government must resist the temptation to rush decisions affecting AT Ghana’s ownership and future without the involvement of Parliament and the Ghanaian public.
“This process must not be treated as a routine commercial adjustment,” he cautioned. “AT Ghana represents a national institution with deep roots in Ghana’s technological history, and any changes to its ownership structure must be handled with the highest level of transparency.”
