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The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that the government is moving to merge Telecel Ghana and AT Ghana in a bid to save the struggling state-owned operator and strengthen competition in the telecom sector.
Speaking during a staff engagement at AT Ghana’s Head Office in Accra, the minister assured all 300 permanent staff that their jobs are secure 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.
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He also gave firm assurances to customers that their interests would be fully protected.
The government currently owns 100% of AT Ghana and 30% of Telecel Ghana. However, both telcos have faced financial struggles, with AT Ghana alone recording over $10 million in losses within 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,” Mr George said.
AT Ghana’s financial woes are deep, with a reported GHS1.5 billion bill presented by tower company ATC Ghana, though the minister noted that some of the invoices covered towers already marked for decommissioning.
Mr George explained that merging AT and Telecel will cut costs, eliminate duplication, and create a stronger competitor in Ghana’s 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 emphasised.
Already, more than 3.2 million AT subscribers are being seamlessly migrated onto Telecel’s network through a national roaming arrangement, which the minister described as “98% smooth”.
He outlined a three-phase merger roadmap:
- Technical migration – nearly complete, with roaming already operational.
- Human resource alignment – ensuring all staff are absorbed before the end of September.
- Commercial restructuring – to be finalised within 120 days, setting the framework for the new company.
Looking ahead, the minister revealed that the merged operator would require $600 million in investment over the next four years to remain competitive.
The government will commit resources, including proceeds from spectrum sales, while inviting Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
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