Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Communications Committee, Davis Opoku Ansah, has criticised the government’s handling of the ongoing restructuring process involving AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, warning that it could stifle competition in the telecom industry.
Speaking in an interview on the Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, October 15, the Mpraeso MP said the government’s approach, particularly the proposed merger, risks creating a duopoly that would not serve the interests of consumers.
“We believe that when there is competition in the telecom industry, the people stand to benefit. That is why we have always pushed for greater competition,” he said. “Creating a duopoly, as the Minister seems to be doing, will not help.”
Ansah also raised concerns over what he described as inconsistent communication and policy reversals by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.
“Since early 2025, the consistent inconsistencies and flip-flopping on this issue have been worrying. First, the Minister promised to inject capital into AT Ghana — that never happened. Then, we heard about a memorandum of understanding with Rektron, which pledged to invest $160 million for a 60 percent stake. But now we are hearing about a merger with Telecel, which only holds about 16 percent market share,” he said.
The MP argued that combining AT Ghana’s estimated six percent market share with Telecel’s 16 percent would still be unable to challenge the dominance of MTN, the market leader. He called for the introduction of a “third force” that can provide real and sustainable competition.
The remarks add to growing opposition from the Minority in Parliament, which has called for an immediate halt to the restructuring process. The Minority has argued that the move must undergo full parliamentary scrutiny and has demanded transparency around all agreements and financial assessments related to the transaction.
At a press briefing in Accra on October 15, Ranking Member Matthew Nyindam stressed that the matter is not just a commercial deal, but one that concerns the future of a key national institution. He urged government and stakeholders to ensure that AT Ghana remains in Ghanaian hands.
Meanwhile, the Minister has defended the deal, stating it falls under a “force majeure” clause and is aimed at strengthening the telecom sector without resulting in job losses.
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