Ghana’s Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George has guaranteed job security for AirtelTigo (AT) staff as the government advances plans to merge the loss-making telco with Telecel Ghana.
Why it matters
AT has been bleeding cash — over $10 million in losses in just eight months — with taxpayers footing the bill. The merger aims to consolidate operations, cut duplication, and build a stronger competitor in Ghana’s crowded telecom sector.
What’s new
- All 300 permanent AT employees will be retained. “This is not a re-application process. It is a continuation of your contracts,” George told staff.
- Over 3.2 million AT subscribers are already migrating onto Telecel’s network via national roaming, which the minister said is “98% smooth.”
The plan:
The integration will roll out in three phases:
- Technical migration — nearly complete, with roaming already operational.
- Human resource alignment — all staff absorbed by end of September.
- Commercial restructuring — within 120 days to establish the new company’s framework.
The big picture
Sustaining the merged operator will require $600 million over four years, funded by government through spectrum sales and co-investment from Telecel and partners.
What they’re saying:
- “These losses are funded by taxpayers. That is money that should be building roads, water systems, and schools. We cannot keep pouring public funds into unsustainable operations.” — Hon. Samuel Nartey George
Source: Ministry of Communications (LinkedIn)
