The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has expressed the government’s dedication to revitalizing the mobile telecommunications operator AT, previously known as Airtel-Tigo, in light of the significant challenges the company is currently facing.
He noted that AT is encumbered by considerable debt and outdated infrastructure.
During a press conference on April 9, Sam George criticized the previous acquisition transaction of $1, labeling it as ‘disingenuous and unpatriotic.’
He further remarked that the former operators, Bharti Airtel and Millicom, neglected to invest in the company over five years, resulting in its deteriorating condition.
The Ningo Prampram MP emphasized that the acquisition did not align with Ghana’s interests and highlighted a broader leadership failure.
After a working visit to the company, the Minister assured journalists that the government would implement all necessary measures to restore AT’s operations and safeguard the jobs of its employees.
“AT is a troubled company, no questions about it. But AT also has some of the best human capital in the telecom sector, and they have been able to navigate the very troubling, trying times they have had to face.
We are committed to fixing the problems. We are committed to ensuring that this is dealt with once and for all. We are not going to gloss over the issues.
There are very hard conversations that have to be had, and there are tough decisions that have to be made. But we will take them to ensure that we save the company, and we will also take them to ensure that we protect the jobs of the 500 permanent staff of the company,” he said.
The government’s intervention is anticipated to encompass both policy and operational reforms aimed at stabilizing the company and ensuring its long-term viability.
