The Minority in Parliament has urged President John Mahama to step in and stop the ongoing takeover of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) by Telecel, describing the deal as opaque, inconsistent, and harmful to Ghana’s national interest.

At a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, the caucus accused the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel George, of “hastily trying to dispose of” a key national asset without proper procedure, accountability, or parliamentary input.

“We ask President John Dramani Mahama to rein in his Minister for Communication to focus on making AT work rather than hastily trying to dispose of it. A comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the proposed acquisition of AT by Telecel is imperative.”

According to the group, the Minister is overseeing what they termed a “worse process” than those he previously condemned, alleging that the ongoing transaction is being conducted in secrecy and without sufficient consultation.

“It’s troubling that Hon. Samuel George, who was once an outspoken critic of his predecessor for how state assets were handled, is now presiding over a worse process that appears to be taking place without scrutiny,” they said.

The Minority further expressed worry over recent actions by Telecel Group CEO Moh Damush, whom they claimed has been in Ghana “making concerted efforts to finalise what many view as a questionable deal.” They alleged that Telecel has been collaborating with government institutions on donation programmes designed to build public and political goodwill ahead of the acquisition.

“Telecel just last week collaborated with the Ministry of Health to support the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, through which they donated cervical cancer screening equipment to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital,” the group revealed. “Similar donation ceremonies are scheduled to take place in Tamale and at the Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital.”

Issuing a stern warning, the Minority cautioned that any attempt by Telecel to take over AT through “unlawful, non-transparent, or irregular means” would be considered invalid and subject to reversal under a future administration.

“Any deal shrouded in secrecy, executed without parliamentary scrutiny, or in violation of procurement and regulatory standards will be subject to review and possible legal action,” they said. “Telecel should be prepared for reputational damage and potential nullification of any agreement entered under such circumstances.”

The caucus underscored that their objection to the deal is not simply about the transfer of ownership but about safeguarding a critical national asset that underpins Ghana’s digital economy.

“This is not merely about the sale of a company; it is about protecting a national institution that has served Ghana diligently,” they said. “AT must remain in Ghanaian hands and continue to serve as a cornerstone for our digital and economic future.”

Concluding their statement, the Minority demanded an immediate suspension of the merger discussions and called for a thorough parliamentary investigation into the matter. They also requested full disclosure of all documents, agreements, and communications tied to the Rektron/Afritel and Telecel negotiations, as well as a review of AT’s financial commitments to the American Tower Company (ATC).

“We will not sit idly by and allow a single minister to unilaterally dispose of a critical national asset such as AT. The strategic importance of this company to our digital sovereignty and economic development cannot be overstated.”

Airtel Tigo’s merger with Telecel Ghana has been necessitated due to the former’s current financial crisis. In April this year, the Communications Minister revealed the huge financial losses AT Ghana was incurring and the need for swift action to be carried out to save the dwindling state entity.

He called out the erstwhile government for being “ill-informed, reckless, and unpatriotic” following its symbolic purchasing of Airtel Tigo when it was wallowing in a $400 million debt, which was later downed following the Domestic Debt Restrusturing Programme (DDEP). Sam George lamented the firm's monthly losses of GH₵20 million, describing it as “ …..is failing and obsolete; its systems haven’t been upgraded in five years and are no longer fit for purpose.”

Consequently, having recorded losses of $10 million in just eight months, Sam George stressed that,

“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”.

According to the Minister, the consolidation with Telecel would help reduce costs, eliminate duplication, and build a stronger competitor in Ghana’s highly competitive telecom market. “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,” he added.

Already, more than 3.2 million AT Ghana subscribers are being seamlessly migrated onto Telecel’s network through a national roaming arrangement, a process the Minister described as “98% smooth.” Sam George explained that the integration process will be carried out in three phases: Technical migration, which is near completion, with roaming already operational. Human resource alignment, which ensures all staff are absorbed by the end of September.

Commercial restructuring, expected within 120 days, setting the framework for the merged operator. On financing, Sam George was frank about the capital demands of the venture, pegging it at $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. Meanwhile, the AT staff’s concerns about their job security are quite valid due to the history of potential job losses associated with company mergers in Ghana.