The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced that the government is actively working to restructure the long-standing debt of the state-owned telecommunications company, AirtelTigo (AT). This effort includes engaging potential investors and exploring strategic partnerships to infuse fresh capital and technical expertise into the company. He emphasized that these initiatives, along with policy reforms and operational restructuring, are part of a comprehensive plan aimed at repositioning AirtelTigo as a commercially viable, profitable, and competitive player in the local telecommunications sector.
“To achieve this, we will need to make some tough decisions and take difficult steps. However, I believe that these actions will ultimately serve the long-term interests of the country, the company, and the customer,” the minister stated. “We have a clear understanding of our current situation. Proposals are on the table, and over the next eight weeks, we are hopeful and confident that we will develop a roadmap to restore AT to a solid economic footing, allowing us to effectively serve the Ghanaian people,” Mr. George added.
The minister, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, said this last Friday, when he embarked on a familiarisation tour of the company. Mr George was accompanied by some senior officials from the ministry, including the Chief Director, Policy Advisor, Director and Deputy Director of Digital Technologies, and the Head of Public Relations.
AT, formerly AirtelTigo, is in deep financial trouble following its $1 acquisition by the previous government—a move the minister called reckless and ill-informed. At the time, the company had $400 million in debt and outdated infrastructure, with no meaningful investment from its former owners.
Despite reducing the debt to $200 million through restructuring, AT still records monthly losses of GH¢20 million, prompting urgent efforts to secure creditor haircuts and ensure the company’s survival. “I’m confident that with the guidance we’ll get from the President, who is a former Communications Minister and understands this sector very well, we’ll be able to steady the boat, seal and plug the boat, and make it a steady vessel that will bring us to shore,” he stated.
Employee welfare
Mr George placed strong emphasis on the welfare of workers as the central pillar guiding all turnaround strategies for AT. He stressed that while the company was grappling with deep-rooted legacy issues dating back as far as 2009, the government remained resolute in safeguarding the livelihoods of the entire workforce—comprising 300 permanent staff, 200 contract workers, and approximately 10,000 individuals indirectly linked to the company.
He assured the staff that their well-being would not be compromised, even as difficult but necessary decisions are taken to revitalise AT and reposition it as a credible and profitable player in the telecommunications sector. The minister acknowledged the dedication and resilience of the workers in keeping the company afloat despite financial constraints and affirmed that their continued commitment was key to future success.
He reiterated that all restructuring efforts, including possible investments and debt reengineering, would be undertaken with staff welfare as the foremost priority, ensuring both job security and better service delivery for the Ghanaian people. Following a press conference Mr George held a few weeks ago, where he warned telecom operators to acquire additional spectrum to improve their services or face punitive action, this reporter sought to find out whether AT had since received any allocation.
In response, the minister emphasised that spectrum was a national asset and not simply given away—it must be paid for. He explained that once the spectrum is offered, operators are given 30 days to make payment. However, he expressed uncertainty about AT’s current financial capacity to make such a purchase. “I know that AT has its Spectrum needs and its spectrum desires, but again, spectrum is national property.
I don’t want to be charged with costing financial losses to the state, so we will give spectrum as and when there’s enough economic commercial consideration,” he said. He added that the ministry was currently undertaking a spectrum rationalisation exercise to assess usage efficiency and determine future allocations.
While acknowledging AT’s spectrum needs, he maintained that any allocation would be made only if it made sound economic and commercial sense, as the government could not afford to incur financial losses by distributing spectrum without clear returns.
By: Dickson Worlanyo Dotse