The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has assured staff and customers of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) that their interests will be safeguarded as government takes steps to merge the company with Telecel Ghana.
Speaking during a staff engagement at AT’s Head Office in Accra, the Minister emphasized that all 300 permanent employees of AT will be retained under the new entity.
“This is not a re-application process. It is a continuation of your contracts. Every one of you will be absorbed, unless you personally choose to leave,” he stressed.
Mr. George explained that the merger is a response to AT’s challenging financial situation, revealing that the company had incurred losses of over $10 million in just eight months this year.
“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,” he noted.
He added that consolidating with Telecel will help cut costs, remove duplication, and strengthen competition in Ghana’s telecom sector.
” 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 said.
Currently, more than 3.2 million AT subscribers are being migrated onto Telecel’s network through a national roaming arrangement a process the Minister described as “98% smooth.”
He outlined a three-phase integration plan:
Technical migration nearly complete, with roaming already operational.
Human resource alignment ensuring all staff are absorbed by the end of September.
Commercial restructuring to be finalized within 120 days, providing a clear framework for the merged operator.
On financing, the Minister pegged the capital requirements of the venture at $600 million over the next four years. He confirmed government support, including proceeds from spectrum sales, while encouraging Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
He assured staff that the merger is not merely about cost-cutting but about creating a resilient and competitive telecom operator capable of better serving Ghanaians in the long term.
