Hon. Sam George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has unveiled a series of measures aimed at improving the quality of telecom services across Ghana.
This comes as the telecommunications sector faces growing scrutiny and rising public dissatisfaction with the performance of mobile network providers.
Speaking to the media on April 9, 2025, Sam George acknowledged the growing frustrations among Ghanaians over the poor service quality of mobile network operators.
He noted that concerns have been raised about nearly all providers across the country and announced new initiatives, beginning with the approval of technology neutrality.
“I have taken decisive policy [steps] to approve technology neutrality for MTN and additional spectrum for MTN Ghana. I have also directed the NCA to make an additional spectrum offer to Telecel Ghana.”
Hon. Sam George
Accordingly, he explained that the goal is to provide telecom providers with the necessary resources to enhance service delivery.
The decision to grant more spectrum to these providers is aimed at improving their network capacity, allowing them to cater to a growing demand for better coverage and faster services.
This will, in turn, improve the customer experience and mitigate complaints from users who have been facing issues such as dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and poor network coverage.
However, Sam George did not stop there. He issued a stern warning to telecom operators, emphasizing that the NCA would be keeping a close eye on improvements.
“I wish to serve notice that the NCA will, within three months of the assignment of this additional spectrum, begin a rigorous enforcement of quality of service on the providers.
Failure to provide an improvement and quality of service by the network operators will result in stiff fines.”
Hon. Sam George
Telecom Challenges and Financial Crisis at AT
In addition to addressing service quality concerns, the Minister also highlighted a pressing financial issue affecting the telecommunications sector.
Hon. Sam George revealed that Airtel Tigo, now rebranded as AT, is facing significant financial difficulties.
The company’s debt portfolio stands at an alarming $200 million, following a restructuring arrangement, and it continues to struggle with monthly operating losses of around GHS20 million.
This financial crisis at AT, which emerged from the previous government’s acquisition of Airtel Tigo for a reported $1, has been a point of contention.
Sam George did not mince words when critiquing the decision to purchase the company in 2017, calling it “ill-informed and reckless.”
He explained that at the time of acquisition, AT was burdened with a debt portfolio of $400 million and had insufficient revenue to cover its overhead costs.
“The previous government acquired Airtel Tigo and rebranded it as AT with a reported purchase of $1. Nothing could have been more disingenuous and unpatriotic.
“When the company was bought, its debt portfolio stood at $400 million, and its revenues could not meet its monthly overheads.”
Hon. Sam George
The Minister also highlighted that AT’s core infrastructure has become obsolete, reaching the end of its functional lifecycle.
He emphasized that over the past five years, there has been a complete lack of meaningful investment in the company’s systems and technology.
This neglect, he noted, stems from the failure of both Bharti and Millicom—former operators of Tigo—to inject the necessary capital or undertake any upgrades, leaving the network ill-equipped to meet modern demands or provide reliable service to consumers.
Urgent Steps to Save AT
The current financial situation at AT remains dire, and urgent steps are now being taken to prevent further deterioration.
Accorsingly, Sam George outlined plans to engage the company’s creditors in negotiations to secure debt relief, potentially through haircuts that will allow AT to remain viable.
“Today, after a debt restructuring arrangement, the debt portfolio at AT sits at about $200 million, rising every month as the company makes a monthly operating loss of GHS20 million.
“The bleeding needs to be thrashed, and urgent steps are underway to engage the company’s creditors in negotiating haircuts to ensure the company’s viability.”
Hon. Sam George
For many Ghanaians, the unfolding crisis at AT is a stark reminder of the consequences of poor management and ill-considered decisions in the telecom sector.
As Sam George pushes for reforms and better quality of service, it’s clear that both the financial health and operational efficiency of telecom companies must be addressed to safeguard the future of the industry in Ghana.
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