The Abirem Member of Parliament (MP), speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, explained that Parliament had already been briefed before recess about efforts to secure a strategic partner for AT Ghana due to its persistent losses.

According to him, Communications Minister Sam Nartey George had indicated that negotiations had begun and that further updates would be provided to Parliament.

“The recent announcement is not surprising because we had prior information through our engagements with the NCA and Airtel. But our worry is that the merger does not deal with the fundamental problem. What happens to the huge debt being carried by both entities?” Mr. Owiredu asked.

He stressed that both AT Ghana and Telecel are financially constrained, with neither showing the capacity to inject fresh capital.

“Merging two struggling companies without new investment will only lead to more losses. The debt that has been swallowing them has not been dealt with, so if care is not taken, this merger will return us to square one,” he said.

The comments come at a time when Ghana’s telecom industry remains highly competitive, with MTN controlling more than 65% of the market.

AT Ghana, formerly AirtelTigo, was taken over by the government in 2021 after the exit of multinational shareholders Bharti Airtel and Millicom International.

Despite assurances to restructure and find a new investor, the company has continued to struggle with declining subscribers, mounting debts, and low investment.

Telecel, which acquired Vodafone Ghana in 2023, has also faced hurdles with financing and operational restructuring.

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Sam Nartey George has announced the appointment of KPMG as transaction advisor to oversee the proposed merger.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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This was during a panel discussion on Adom TV’s Badwam while reacting to the untimely death of his colleague, Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.

The former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister was recounting his last moment with Akwatia Star Boy, as Mr. Kumi was popularly known.

He recalled briefly speaking with the late MP in Parliament on Thursday, July 3, 2025, to ask about an examination the deceased had mentioned he was taking.

“He was with Kade MP, Alexander Agyare, and I asked how the paper went, and he told me it went smoothly. I saw the news about his death on our page on Monday, but I didn’t take it seriously until the confirmation later came,” he recounted.

In an attempt to eulogise Mr. Kumi for his dedication, sense of duty, and resilience, his emotions got the better part of him as tears flowed freely.

Mr. Kumi died on Monday, July 7, 2025, after a brief illness.

The 40-year-old was serving his first term as MP and was just barely seven months into his tenure.

He is survived by a wife and three children.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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In a post on X, the Abirem Member of Parliament (MP) disclosed that the affected diplomats were appointed barely six months ago and are among Ghana’s finest foreign service officers.

He questioned the rationale behind their removal, naming them as Ambassador Vivian Kafui Asempapa (Senegal), Matilda Alomatu (Austria), and Regina Appiah-Sam (Spain).

President Mahama has nominated 15 individuals for appointment as ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Consul-Generals to represent Ghana across various countries.

As part of the reshuffle, Madam Asempapa has been replaced with Dr. Felix Godwin Anebo, while actress Kalsoume Sinare will succeed Madam Appiah-Sam in Spain.

“They have been at post for just about six months as ambassadors. These are some of our finest foreign service officers,” Mr. Owiredu stated.

“Why have new names been submitted by President Mahama to replace them? What is their crime? These are career officers, for Christ’s sake.”

Highlighting their professional background, Mr. Owiredu noted that the three were recruited into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1999 under President Jerry Rawlings and Foreign Minister Victor Gbeho.

“By dint of hard work, they rose through the ranks and were commissioned as ambassadors by President Akufo-Addo in November 2024 after 26 years at the Foreign Ministry,” he added.

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Mr Owiredu officially made the declaration on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Wednesday.

According to him, he has paid his dues at both the national and the constituency levels and believes he stands a chance to lead.

“I worked at the NPP headquarters for 15 years and was the first Director for our international branches. I have also among other things contributed towards the development of the area,” he said.

Mr Owiredu expressed optimism he will win the primaries in February and subsequently the 2024 election, adding that God will make it happen.

“I am ready to serve the people of Abirem as MP. I have done my part and God is the one who makes one a king,” he noted.

The High Commissioner promised that his victory would accelerate development and revive the local economy in Abirem.

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