The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has urged the government to pause the proposed merger of AT Ghana and Telecel, warning that the move could entrench inefficiency and further strengthen MTN’s dominance in the telecom sector.
Mr. Opoku, who had previously welcomed the government’s efforts to rebalance the market, emphasized that a stronger alternative is now available and must be fully considered before any merger.
Canadian multinational Rektron Group has submitted proof of 150 million US dollars to KPMG, the government-appointed transaction advisor, to acquire a majority stake in AT Ghana. The proposal includes clearing AT’s debts, recapitalizing its operations, modernizing networks, and fast-tracking the rollout of 4G and 5G services.
“This is a credible investment that can restore competition and rebuild confidence in our telecom sector,” the MP said. “Rushing into a merger of two fragile operators, while ignoring a well-funded investor with a clear plan, risks repeating the mistakes of expedience.”
Mr. Opoku also raised concerns about ongoing talks between the government and MTN regarding 5G deployment, despite the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) holding a ten-year exclusive nationwide license.
He warned that allowing parallel arrangements could create regulatory confusion, undermine trust in government policy, and weaken competition.
The lawmaker called on the government to prioritize transparency and due process by subjecting both the Rektron investment and the AT–Telecel merger to open scrutiny.
“Parliament and the public deserve clarity on which option best protects taxpayer funds, creates fair competition, and ensures affordable and reliable service for Ghanaians,” he added.
He stressed that Ghana’s digital transformation depends on addressing the root causes of market imbalance and enforcing regulatory frameworks.
“Strengthening the regulator’s authority and ensuring adherence to licensing agreements are key to reducing MTN’s dominance and safeguarding the future of our telecom sector,” he said.
Source: Ernest Arhinful
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