Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to merge AT (formerly AirtelTigo) with Telecel Ghana in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s telecom sector and curbing mounting financial losses. At a staff engagement held at AT’s Head Office in Accra, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), assured employees and customers that their interests will be safeguarded throughout the process.
The Minister revealed that AT had incurred over $10 million in losses within the first eight months of the year, funds which had been subsidized by taxpayers. Explaining the rationale for the merger, Hon. George said the integration would reduce costs, remove duplications, and create a more competitive telecom operator.
According to him, more than 3.2 million AT subscribers are already being migrated to Telecel’s network under a national roaming arrangement, which he described as “98% smooth.” On funding, the Minister disclosed that sustaining the new operator will require an investment of $600 million over the next four years. He confirmed that the government will contribute resources, including proceeds from spectrum sales, while encouraging Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
