Ghana's
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey
George, has launched a scathing critique of the government's acquisition of
AirtelTigo, revealing shocking details of GHC3.5 billion (approx. $290 million)
in hidden debts accumulated by the telecom operator. The disclosure came after
the American Embassy raised concerns about AirtelTigo's unpaid obligations to
the American Tower Company (ATC).
The minister
George expressed outrage over the 2020 acquisition, where the Ghanaian
government purchased AirtelTigo for a symbolic $1, only to inherit massive
liabilities:
"Those who
managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state," George declared in Parliament. "How could anyone justify
buying a company for $1 when it comes with a GHC3.5 billion debt? Where is the
due diligence?"
The U.S.
Embassy reportedly alerted Ghana’s Communications Ministry about AirtelTigo’s
unpaid bills to ATC, a U.S.-based infrastructure firm. The debt threatens
Ghana’s ability to maintain critical telecom infrastructure, risking service
disruptions.
The previous administration touted the
acquisition as a strategic move, but Hon. Sam George now questions whether
officials deliberately ignored the debt or were misled.
With AirtelTigo
now state-owned, taxpayers may foot the debt unless the government renegotiates
terms with creditors.
He George vowed
to investigate the transaction, suggesting possible malfeasance in the deal’s
approval. "This is not just incompetence—it’s economic sabotage,"
he said, demanding accountability from those involved.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
