Telecel debunks minority’s ‘misleading’ claims on AT takeover

Telecel Ghana has refuted allegations made by the Minority in Parliament regarding its supposed involvement in a covert acquisition of AT Ghana, labelling these claims as misleading and incorrect.

This statement comes in response to the Minority’s demand for an immediate cessation of the ongoing restructuring process involving AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, cautioning that such actions could jeopardise national interests and should not advance without comprehensive parliamentary oversight.

During a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, Matthew Nyindam, the Ranking Member on the Information and Communications Committee, articulated the Minority’s position, characterising the proposed transaction as transcending a mere business arrangement.

He emphasised that it pertains to the safeguarding of a national institution that has made significant contributions to Ghana’s progress.

However, Telecel, in a press statement released on Thursday, October 16, clarified that its current collaboration with AT Ghana is a result of a directive from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to offer national roaming support, following the closure of AT Ghana’s sites by ATC Ghana in August due to outstanding 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 dismissed assertions of financial instability, affirming that it continues to be a profitable entity with year-to-date net profits amounting to hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis.

The company revealed that it has invested over US$240 million since acquiring the business in 2023, which starkly contrasts with the US$10 million figure mentioned 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.

Telecel reiterated its enduring commitment to the Ghanaian market, vowing to persist in its investments in technology, personnel, and services.

The company also rejected claims that its recent social initiatives were politically motivated. It underscored various corporate social responsibility projects, including the provision of advanced cervical cancer screening equipment to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital, as part of its dedication to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund established by President John Dramani Mahama earlier this year.

Additionally, it mentioned its support for the One Million Coders Programme, as well as its 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 stressed that it operates legally in Ghana as Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, with the Government of Ghana owning 30% of its shares.

The company reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, ethical business practices, and the enhancement of digital access in Ghana.

“We encourage the public to disregard any statements that misrepresent Telecel’s role, integrity, or intentions,” the statement added.