The Minority in Parliament is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and halt the ongoing Telecel takeover of AT (formerly AirtelTigo), describing the process as secretive, inconsistent, and harmful to Ghana’s national interest.
Addressing the media in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, the caucus accused the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel George, of “hastily trying to dispose of” a vital state asset without transparency, due process, or parliamentary oversight.
“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,” the group stated.
The Minority further alleged that the transaction is being carried out behind closed doors and lacks proper stakeholder 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 caucus also expressed concern over the activities of Telecel Group’s CEO, Moh Damush, who they claim has been in Ghana “making concerted efforts to finalise what many view as a questionable deal.” According to them, Telecel has recently engaged in public donation initiatives to curry political favour 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 in Tamale and Sefwi Wiawso.”
In a stern warning, the Minority cautioned that any attempt by Telecel to acquire AT through “unlawful, non-transparent, or irregular means” would be deemed illegitimate and could face reversal under a future government.
“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 group emphasised that the controversy over AT’s future is not merely about the sale of a telecom company, but about safeguarding Ghana’s digital sovereignty and economic independence.
“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.”
The Minority concluded by calling for an immediate suspension of all merger talks and the launch of a full parliamentary inquiry into the Telecel acquisition. They demanded full disclosure of all relevant documents, including agreements, financial reports, and correspondence relating to the Rektron/Afritel and Telecel negotiations, as well as a review of AT’s financial obligations 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,” they warned. “The strategic importance of this company to our digital sovereignty and economic development cannot be overstated.”
