AirtelTigo & Telecel Merger: Govt Plans Thrown Into Confusion?
Eiii, chale! The proposed merger between AirtelTigo (AT) and Telecel Ghana dey inside wahala now o! Earlier this week, we hear say the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announce say government dey plan to merge the two telecom companies. The aim be say make dem create a stronger competitor to challenge MTN wey dey dominate the market.
According to reports, the merger go happen in three phases. First, AT’s 3.2 million subscribers go migrate to Telecel’s network. Then, dem go realign the staff so say nobody go lose their job. Finally, dem go restructure the company commercially. The Minister even talk say the merger go need US$600 million investment over the next four years, wey government go contribute through spectrum sales.
But wait o, things change sharp sharp! All of a sudden, all the official announcements and press statements about the merger vanish from government and ministerial social media pages! E dey like say the whole plan dey under question now. Some people dey wonder if the merger go actually happen or if na just rumour be that.
Why the Merger?
The Minister talk say the merger dey necessary because AT dey lose money. He say dem lose US$10 million in just eight months! He argue say government no fit continue to dey pour public funds into unsustainable operations. He believe say merging AT with Telecel go reduce duplication and make the market more competitive.
Background to the Matter
- AirtelTigo (AT) was formed in 2017 when Airtel Ghana and Tigo merge.
- Government of Ghana take over full ownership in 2021 after Bharti Airtel and Millicom pull out.
- Telecel Group later acquire majority stake in Vodafone Ghana (now Telecel).
So, the question now be, what next for AirtelTigo and Telecel? We go dey watch closely to see how things go unfold. Stay tuned for more updates!