The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has confirmed plans to merge AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) with Telecel Ghana in a bid to establish a more competitive and financially sustainable telecom operator.
Speaking during a staff engagement at AT Ghana’s head office in Accra, sector minister Samuel Nartey George assured employees that the merger would not result in job losses.
“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 said, emphasizing that all 300 permanent staff would retain their positions.
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Mr. George further assured AT Ghana subscribers that their interests would be safeguarded throughout the transition period.
The ministry explained that the merger decision was driven by AT Ghana’s dire financial situation, having recorded losses of over $10 million within just eight months this year. According to Mr. George, continuously supporting the company with public funds was no longer sustainable.
“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 stressed that the consolidation would help reduce costs, eliminate duplication, and strengthen the telecom industry. “It makes no sense for two networks to operate separately on the same tower, both paying double while both struggle. A merger is the smart and sustainable choice,” he added.
So far, more than 3.2 million AT subscribers have already been migrated onto Telecel’s network under a national roaming arrangement, which the ministry said has been 98% successful. The merger will be executed in three phases:
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Technical migration – nearly complete, with roaming already implemented.
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Human resource alignment – ensuring all staff integration by the end of September.
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Commercial restructuring – creating a new framework for the merged entity.
On financing, the minister revealed that the new operator will require about $600 million over the next four years. He said government will provide resources, including proceeds from spectrum sales, while urging Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
Currently, the government owns 100% of AT Ghana and holds a 30% stake in Telecel Ghana. Both companies have struggled with debts owed to vendors and partners, despite Telecel’s acquisition of Vodafone Ghana.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem