Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has moved to clarify public concerns over the ongoing arrangement between AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, insisting that the collaboration is not a merger or acquisition but an emergency response to prevent a major telecommunications crisis.
Speaking in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister explained that on September 1, 2025, ATC Ghana, the tower company responsible for providing power to Airtel-Tigo’s radio access networks, commenced the disconnection of power supply due to outstanding debts.
This action, he noted, threatened to cripple AT Ghana’s operations and could have left over three million subscribers across the country without service.
“To avoid a national crisis, the National Communications Authority (NCA) directed AT and Telecel Ghana to immediately establish a national roaming agreement. This migration allowed all of AT’s traffic to be carried on Telecel Ghana’s network, thereby minimizing disruption to customers.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George
The Minister stressed that despite the transfer, AT Ghana remains fully operational, with all its services – including voice, SMS, data, and AT Money – intact. He praised the technical teams of both companies for their swift intervention under intense pressure.
“The exceptional skill and commitment demonstrated by the engineers reaffirm our belief that with the right policy direction, Ghanaian professionals have the capacity to deliver”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George
Limited Challenges during the Migration Process
Acknowledging that some customers may encounter limited challenges during the migration process, he assured that the majority of AT subscribers are unlikely to notice significant disruptions. He further indicated that both the NCA and AT Ghana would provide timely updates to address any subscriber concerns.
KPMG Transaction Advisor
Turning to the future, Hon. Sam George disclosed that the government has appointed international auditing and advisory firm KPMG as the transaction advisor to guide the next steps for AT Ghana.
Their mandate, he said, is to explore sustainable options that will establish a second strong operator in Ghana’s mobile telecom market, thereby addressing the dominance imbalance.
“The transaction advisor has been given a strict 60-day timeline to complete its work because of the urgency of the situation”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George
The Minister also addressed the fate of AT Ghana’s workforce, an issue that has generated anxiety among employees and their families. He gave firm assurances that the approximately 300 permanent staff of AT Ghana will not lose their jobs.
“I repeat, there will be no job losses. I have already met with the staff and offered assurances in this regard,” he stated. He added that the transaction advisor has also been tasked to consider the welfare of more than 200 contract staff working with the company.
Expressing appreciation for the cooperation of workers during engagements, he acknowledged the uncertainty that the current crisis has brought to them and their dependents but insisted that government remains committed to protecting their livelihoods.
“I am fully aware of the gravity of this situation, but I can assure you we will see sunshine very soon,” he said. Hon. Sam George was, however, categorical in dispelling persistent media reports describing the AT-Telecel arrangement as a merger or takeover.
“Let me be very clear on this. What is happening is not a merger, and neither is it an acquisition. We are dealing with a force majeure situation, and the recommendations from the transaction advisor will lay out a clear path for Ghana”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George
Calls for Cooperation
He urged all stakeholders, including subscribers, suppliers, tower companies, and creditors, to remain patient and allow the transaction advisor to complete its work. According to him, this process will provide clarity on AT Ghana’s outstanding debts, services, and long-term direction.
The Minister underscored the broader policy goal of ensuring a healthy, competitive telecommunications sector in Ghana. For him, the crisis presents an opportunity to reset the industry by strengthening players and ensuring sustainability.
“Our aim is to build resilience in the sector so that no operator’s financial challenges put millions of Ghanaians at risk of losing essential services,” he said. The intervention comes at a time when the telecom industry remains a critical driver of Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
With over 40 million active mobile connections nationwide, any disruption in service provision poses not just communication challenges but economic and social risks, given the reliance on mobile networks for commerce, education, financial services, and governance.
By directing AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana into a national roaming arrangement, the government has effectively shielded consumers from what could have been one of the country’s most severe telecommunications blackouts.
In wrapping up his remarks, the Minister appealed to the public to support the process by avoiding speculation and misinformation.
“It is important that we allow KPMG to do its work and come back with recommendations that are in the best interest of subscribers, employees, and the entire telecommunications industry”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George
What remains certain is that for now, AT Ghana’s three million-plus subscribers can still make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use mobile money services without disruption – an assurance that, just a few days ago, appeared uncertain.
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