Recent revelations have surfaced linking a US investor, Erik Prince, who has advocated for the colonization of Africa, to Ian Hannam, a British deal-maker with ties to Ghana’s Ministry of Communications.
The connection was established by a news article that Vice President of Imani Africa, Bright Simmons, shared on his Twitter page.
Titled “Ex-JPMorgan Banker Invited Erik Prince on Secret Venezuela Trip”, the report stated that Hannam, a former JPMorgan banker, had once orchestrated a trip that Erik Prince took to Venezuela, as part of the former’s exploration for potential gold investments.
However, with Prince openly expressing views on the colonization of Africa and Latin America, concerns have been raised about his association with Hannam, who has also recently signed a deal with Ghana through the Ministry of Communications, headed by Ursula Owusu.
According to a February 10, 2024 article by The Intercept titled “Erik Prince Calls for U.S. to Colonize Africa and Latin America”, Mr Prince is reported to have said, “If so many of these countries around the world are incapable of governing themselves, it’s time for us to just put the imperial hat back on, to say, we’re going to govern those countries, … ’cause enough is enough, we’re done being invaded. …You can say that about pretty much all of Africa, they’re incapable of governing themselves,” during an episode of his Off Leash” podcast. If you go to these countries, and you see how they suffer under absolutely corrupt governments that are just criminal syndicates, a lot of them deserve better.
Hannam’s deal with Ghana involves a joint venture between state-owned AT (formerly AirtelTigo) and Hannam Investments, aiming to transform the Ghanaian telecom operator. Hannam, known for his tough dealmaking style and past involvement in geopolitical strategies, has reportedly invested $150 million in the venture in exchange for an 85% controlling stake.
Billionaire mercenary, Erik Prince, close business associate of Ian Hannam, the former commando & hardguy investor tapped by Ghana’s Comms Minister to take over the only fully state-owned telecom company, AirtelTigo, draws fire for promoting the recolonisation of Africa. pic.twitter.com/ayWa6swL2T
— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) February 11, 2024
While the Ministry of Communications has praised Hannam’s credentials, questions have been raised about the transparency of the deal. Simmons, in his article, questions the valuation of AirtelTigo and the implications for Ghanaian taxpayers. The reported valuation suggests a remarkably low value per subscriber, raising concerns about the potential cost to the Ghanaian public.
The AirtelTigo deal, shrouded in limited public disclosure, has sparked criticism for the absence of a competitive bidding process. Simmons points out the apparent favouring of Hannam’s offer over others, raising suspicions about the potential outcomes for Ghanaian taxpayers and the overall fairness of the deal.
As the controversy unfolds, calls for additional scrutiny have been made. The involvement of an overseas investor like Hannam Investments according to Bright Simmons requires the need for Parliamentary ratification. If Parliament opts for stringent oversight, Hannam may face challenges navigating inquiries into the details of the deal, potentially unveiling more about this deal in other countries and affiliations.
Read more from Bright Simmons at brightsimons.com
tigpost.co
