The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has assured staff and customers of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) that their interests will be fully protected as government takes decisive steps to merge the company with Telecel Ghana.
Speaking at a staff engagement at AT’s Head Office in Accra, the Minister emphasized that all 300 permanent employees of AT will be retained 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.
He said the merger is a direct response to AT’s precarious financial position, revealing that the company had recorded losses exceeding $10 million in 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,” he said.
According to the Minister, the consolidation with Telecel would help reduce costs, eliminate duplication, and build a stronger competitor in Ghana’s highly competitive 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 added.
Already, more than 3.2 million AT subscribers are being seamlessly migrated onto Telecel’s network through a national roaming arrangement—a process the Minister described as “98% smooth.”
He outlined that the integration process will be implemented in three phases: Technical migration, nearly complete, with roaming already operational. Human resource alignment, ensuring all staff are absorbed by the end of September.
Commercial restructuring, expected within 120 days, setting the framework for the merged operator.
On financing, he was frank about the capital demands of the venture, pegging it at $600 million over the next four years. He confirmed that government will contribute resources, including proceeds from spectrum sales, while encouraging Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
The Minister assured staff that the move is not just about cost-cutting but about building a resilient, competitive telecom company that can serve Ghanaians better and thrive in the long term.