Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Communications Committee, Davis Opoku Ansah, has criticised the government’s management of the ongoing restructuring involving AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, cautioning that the process could undermine competition in the telecom sector.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV, the Mpraeso MP said the government’s approach, particularly the proposed merger, risks creating a duopoly that would not serve consumers’ interests.
“We believe that when there is competition in the telecom industry, the people stand to benefit. That is why we have always pushed for greater competition,” he said. “Creating a duopoly, as the Minister seems to be doing, will not help.”
He further expressed concern over what he described as inconsistent communication and policy reversals by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.
“Since early 2025, the consistent inconsistencies and flip-flopping on this issue have been worrying. First, the Minister promised to inject capital into AT Ghana — that never happened. Then, we heard about a memorandum of understanding with Rektron, which pledged to invest $160 million for a 60 percent stake. But now we are hearing about a merger with Telecel, which only holds about 16 percent market share,” he said.
The MP argued that combining AT Ghana’s estimated six percent market share with Telecel’s 16 percent would still not pose a significant challenge to MTN’s dominance. He instead called for the creation of a “third force” capable of driving real and sustainable competition.
His comments add to growing opposition from the Minority in Parliament, which has demanded an immediate suspension of the restructuring process. The group insists the deal must go through full parliamentary scrutiny and called for transparency around all agreements and financial assessments tied to the transaction.
At a press briefing in Accra on October 15, Ranking Member Matthew Nyindam underscored that the matter extends beyond a commercial deal, stressing that it affects the future of a key national asset. He urged the government and stakeholders to ensure that AT Ghana remains under Ghanaian ownership.
Meanwhile, the Minister has defended the proposed deal, saying it falls under a “force majeure” clause and aims to strengthen the telecom industry without leading to job losses.
Source: Adomonline
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