The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has announced that the government will merge AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) and Telecel Ghana to create what it describes as a stronger and more sustainable telecom operator.
At a staff engagement at AT Ghana’s head office in Accra, sector minister Samuel Nartey George assured employees that none of the 300 permanent staff will lose their jobs under the new arrangement.
“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 also gave an assurance that customers of AT would be fully protected throughout the transition.
According to the ministry, the decision to merge follows AT Ghana’s precarious financial position, with the operator recording more than $10 million in losses within just eight months of this year. The minister insisted that continuing to support the company with public funds was not 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 said.
He explained that the merger would reduce costs, remove duplication and strengthen Ghana’s telecoms 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,” Mr George added.
So far, more than 3.2 million AT subscribers have already been moved onto Telecel’s network under a national roaming agreement, which the ministry described as 98% smooth.
The integration process will be rolled out in three phases:
- Technical migration – almost complete, with roaming already in place.
- Human resource alignment – ensuring all staff are absorbed before the end of September.
- Commercial restructuring – to establish the framework for the merged operator.
On financing, the minister disclosed that the merged entity will require $600 million over the next four years.
He said the government will provide resources, including revenue from spectrum sales, while also calling on Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
Currently, the government holds 100% ownership of AT Ghana and 30% of Telecel Ghana.
Both companies have struggled with debts to vendors and partners, despite Telecel’s takeover of Vodafone Ghana.