Telecel Ghana has dismissed allegations by the Minority in Parliament suggesting its involvement in a secret takeover of AT Ghana, describing the claims as “misleading and inaccurate.”
The company’s response follows a call from the Minority for an immediate suspension of the ongoing restructuring process involving AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana. The Minority warned that proceeding with the deal without full parliamentary scrutiny could undermine national interests.
Addressing the media in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, Ranking Member on the Information and Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, argued that the proposed transaction went beyond a mere commercial arrangement.
“This is not merely about the sale of a company,” Matthew Nyindam said, adding, “It is about protecting national institutions that have served Ghana diligently, nurtured some of the finest talents in the industry, and proved their strategic importance in moments of national crisis.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 16, Telecel Ghana clarified that its current engagement with AT Ghana is based on a directive from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to provide national roaming support. The directive followed the shutdown of AT Ghana’s network sites by ATC Ghana in August due to unpaid debts.
“Without this intervention, AT customers would not have been able to use mobile voice and data services across the country,” Telecel explained, noting that the arrangement is only a temporary measure pending the findings of government-appointed transaction advisor, KPMG.
Telecel also rejected claims of financial weakness, stressing that it remains a profitable business with “year-to-date net profits in the hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis.” The company said it has injected over US$240 million in investments since acquiring the business in 2023 — far exceeding the US$10 million figure cited by the Minority.
According to Telecel, the funds have been used to settle legacy debts, expand network infrastructure, modernize operations, and enhance digital services nationwide.
“Till date, none of the over 600 employees in the organisation have been made redundant as promised, and the company has been certified Top Employer year on year,” the statement said.
Telecel further reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Ghana, pledging continued investment in technology, people, and digital innovation.
It also rejected suggestions that its recent social initiatives were politically motivated, highlighting projects such as the donation of advanced cervical cancer screening equipment to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital, under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund launched earlier this year by President John Dramani Mahama.
Additionally, the company cited support for the One Million Coders Programme and sponsorships of several traditional festivals in Kwahu, Osu, Ningo, Prampram, La, Cape Coast, and Gomoa Dawurampong.
“All requests for sponsorship have come from the various Traditional Councils and not the Minister. It therefore beats one’s imagination that our support for this year’s Homowo Festival, one among many others, could be interpreted as an attempt to influence decisions concerning AT,” the company stated.
Telecel emphasized that it legally operates in Ghana under the name Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, with the Government of Ghana holding 30% ownership.
“Telecel remains open to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders to provide factual information and ensure that public discourse on this matter is guided by fact,” the statement concluded.
The company reiterated its commitment to transparency, ethical conduct, and expanding digital access across Ghana, urging the public to disregard any misinformation regarding its operations or intentions.
“We encourage the public to disregard any statements that misrepresent Telecel’s role, integrity, or intentions.”
Source: Adomonline