Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has strongly condemned those managing the AirtelTigo deal, labeling them “enemies of the state” for their role in the sale of the telecommunications firm. He expressed deep concerns that AirtelTigo, which carries a debt of GHC3.5 billion, was sold for a nominal sum of one dollar.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister questioned the integrity and patriotism of those overseeing the process. “Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism. So for anybody to have told us that they bought AirtelTigo for 1 dollar, and now that we have taken over the ministry, ATC (American Tower Company), just one of the companies AirtelTigo owe, has presented us with a bill of 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis.”
He also revealed that discussions held with the American Embassy had brought to light serious concerns about the company’s financial liabilities. “The American Embassy, along with their team, was in my office, and one of the major issues raised was the indebtedness to ATC. The debt sitting on the books of AirtelTigo exceeds 3.5 billion Ghana Cedis. So if someone told you that they bought it for 1 dollar, who is going to pay the 1.3 billion that is sitting there and accumulating interest?” he questioned.
AirtelTigo’s controversial genesis dates back to its formation in October 2017, when Bharti Airtel and Millicom merged their Ghanaian operations to create one of the country’s leading telecom providers. Over time, mounting financial challenges—including the crippling debt estimated at GHC3.5 billion, prompted the private stakeholders to exit the market. In a bid to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure and secure jobs, the government at the time stepped in and acquired the operator for a token price of just one dollar.
