The government is attempting to establish a more robust and sustainable telecom operator by merging AT Ghana (previously AirtelTigo) with Telecel Ghana, according to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations.
During a staff meeting at the head office of AT Ghana in Accra, Minister Samuel Nartey George (MP) gave all 300 of AT’s permanent employees the assurance that their employment would be secure under the new organization.
“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 reiterated.
AT consumers will also have their interests completely safeguarded throughout the transition, the Minister underlined.
The Ministry claims that the merger is being fueled by AT’s unstable financial situation, as the business lost over $10 million in just eight months this year.
According to Mr. George, it was not viable to keep using taxpayer funds to cover these losses.
“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.
The merger of AT and Telecel, the Minister added, will reduce expenses, get rid of redundancy, and make Ghana’s telecom market more competitive.
Through a nationwide roaming agreement, more than 3.2 million AT customers have already switched to Telecel’s network, which the Ministry called “98% smooth.”
According to the ministry, the integration process will take place in three stages:
- Technical migration – nearly complete, with roaming already operational.
- Human resource alignment – ensuring all staff are absorbed before the end of September.
- Commercial restructuring – to be finalized shortly, establishing the framework for the merged entity.
“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.
Regarding funding, the sector minister disclosed that $600 million will be needed over the following four years to maintain the new operator.
He invited Telecel and other partners to co-invest and reaffirmed that the government will provide resources, including money from the sale of spectrum.
Currently, 30% of Telecel Ghana and 100% of AT Ghana are owned by the government.
Both businesses have had trouble paying off obligations to partners and suppliers, even after Telecel bought Vodafone Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com