The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly criticized the individuals responsible for managing the AirtelTigo transaction, labeling them as “enemies of the state” due to the sale of the telecommunications company. He expressed concerns about the decision to sell AirtelTigo, which is burdened with a GHC3.5 billion debt, for a mere token price of one dollar. In a statement to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister questioned the patriotism of those who oversaw the process.
“Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism. So for anybody to have told us that they bought AirtelTigo for 1 dollar, and now that we have taken over the ministry, ATC (American Tower Company), just one of the companies AirtelTigo owes, has presented us with a bill of 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis,” he stated.
He further revealed that discussions with the American Embassy highlighted concerns regarding AirtelTigo’s financial liabilities. “The American Embassy, along with their team, visited my office, and one of the major issues raised was the company’s debt to ATC. The total debt recorded by AirtelTigo exceeds 3.5 billion Ghana Cedis. So, if someone claims they purchased it for just 1 dollar, who is responsible for paying the 1.3 billion that is outstanding and accumulating interest?” he questioned.
