Telecel Ghana has dismissed claims by the Minority in Parliament over its alleged involvement in a secret takeover of AT Ghana, describing the assertions as misleading and inaccurate.
This follows the Minority’s call for an immediate halt to the ongoing restructuring process involving AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, warning that the move could compromise national interests and should not proceed without full parliamentary scrutiny.
Speaking on behalf of the Minority at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, Ranking Member on the Information and Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, described the proposed transaction as more than just a business deal, stating that it touches on the preservation of a national institution that has played a critical role in Ghana’s development.
“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.”
But Telecel in a press statement issued on Thursday October 16, clarified that its ongoing engagement with AT Ghana stems from a directive by the National Communications Authority (NCA) to provide national roaming support, following the shutdown of AT Ghana’s sites by ATC Ghana in August over unpaid debts.
“Without this intervention, AT customers would not have been able to use mobile voice and data services across the country,” Telecel stated, adding that the arrangement was an interim measure while all parties await the outcome of a government-appointed transaction advisor, KPMG.
Telecel also rejected claims of financial weakness, insisting that it remains a profitable company with year-to-date net profits in the hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis. It disclosed that it has injected over US$240 million in investments since acquiring the business in 2023 — a sharp contrast to the US$10 million figure cited by the Minority.
According to the company, these funds have been used to reduce legacy debts, expand network infrastructure, modernise operations, and enhance digital services across the country. “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 reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Ghanaian market, promising to continue investing in technology, people, and services.
The company also dismissed suggestions that its recent social interventions were politically driven. It highlighted several corporate social responsibility projects, including the donation of advanced cervical cancer screening equipment to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital and Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital, as part of a commitment to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund launched by President John Dramani Mahama earlier this year.
It also cited support for the One Million Coders Programme, along with sponsorship of 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 added.
Telecel emphasised that it operates legally in Ghana as Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, with the Government of Ghana holding 30% of its shares.
“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,” it said.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, ethical business conduct, and the expansion of digital access in Ghana.
“We encourage the public to disregard any statements that misrepresent Telecel’s role, integrity, or intentions,” the statement added.
