The Minority in Parliament has urged President John Dramani Mahama to intervene immediately and suspend the ongoing takeover of ‘AT’ (formerly AirtelTigo) by Telecel Group.
They describe the process as secretive, inconsistent, and detrimental to Ghana’s national interest.
Addressing the media in Accra on Wednesday, October 15, the caucus accused the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, of attempting to offload a strategic state asset without due process or parliamentary oversight.
“We ask President John Dramani Mahama to rein in his Minister for Communication to focus on making AT work rather than hastily trying to dispose of it.
“A comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the proposed acquisition of AT by Telecel is imperative,” the Minority stated.
They expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the deal, noting that Sam George, once a vocal critic of asset mismanagement, is now overseeing a process they claim is even more opaque.
“It’s troubling that Hon. Samuel George, who was once an outspoken critic of his predecessor for how state assets were handled, is now presiding over a worse process that appears to be taking place without scrutiny,” they said.
The Minority also raised red flags about recent activities by Telecel Group CEO Moh Damush, alleging that his presence in Ghana is part of a broader effort to finalise what they described as a “questionable deal.”
“Telecel just last week collaborated with the Ministry of Health to support the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, through which they donated cervical cancer screening equipment to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital,” the group revealed.
They warned that such public goodwill gestures could be part of a strategy to curry favour ahead of the acquisition.
They cautioned Telecel against proceeding with any deal that lacks legal and procedural integrity.
“Any deal shrouded in secrecy, executed without parliamentary scrutiny, or in violation of procurement and regulatory standards will be subject to review and possible legal action,” they said, adding, “Telecel should be prepared for reputational damage and potential nullification of any agreement entered under such circumstances.”
