Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George has assured that all services provided by telecommunication network, AT remain intact amid ongoing migration of AT’s traffic unto Telecel’s network.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, September 5, 2025, Sam George said “it is important to note at this point that all of AT’s services and I will be clear here; voice, SMS, data and AT money remain intact.”
The Minister noted that while he expects some challenges during this period, it will not affect majority of AT’s subscribers.
“Some of AT’s customers may experience limited challenges during the traffic migration though the majority of subscribers are unlikely to notice any disruption,” he stated.
The Minister stressed that the National Communications Authority and AT will issue timely communication to subscribers to address and resolve any concerns that may arise.
Sam George further disclosed that government has appointed accounting and auditing firm, KPMG as transaction advisor for the Telecel-AT deal.
“There is a transaction advisor who is coming to take stock, KPMG has been appointed the transaction advisor,” he said.
He noted that the transaction advisor is expected to provide guidance on the future of AT with the goal of establishing a second strong operator to address the imbalance in Ghana’s mobile market.
The transaction advisor will also access government’s shareholding in Telecel. The transaction advisor has been given a strict 60-day timeline to complete its work due to the urgency of the situation.
Sam George earlier announced that the AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) and Telecel Ghana deal was to create a stronger, more sustainable telecom operator.
At a staff engagement held at AT Ghana’s Head Office in Accra, Minister Samuel Nartey George (MP) assured all 300 permanent employees of AT that their jobs are safe under the new entity.
“This is not a re-application process. It is a continuation of your contracts. Every one of you will be absorbed, unless you personally choose to leave,” he stressed.
The Minister emphasized that customers of AT will also have their interests fully protected during the transition.
According to the Ministry, the merger is being driven by AT’s precarious financial state, with the company incurring more than $10 million in losses within just eight months of this year. Mr. George noted that continuing to fund such losses with taxpayers’ money was unsustainable.
“These losses are funded by taxpayers. That is money that should be building roads, water systems, and schools. We cannot keep pouring public funds into unsustainable operations,” he said.
The Minister further explained that merging AT and Telecel will cut costs, eliminate duplication, and create a more competitive telecom player in Ghana.
“It makes no sense for two networks to operate separately on the same tower, both paying twice while both struggle. A merger is the smart and sustainable choice,” he added.
Already, over 3.2 million AT subscribers have been migrated onto Telecel’s network through a national roaming arrangement, which the Ministry described as “98% smooth.”
The integration process will unfold in three phases according to the ministry:
- Technical migration – nearly complete, with roaming already operational.
- Human resource alignment – ensuring all staff are absorbed before the end of September.
- Commercial restructuring – to be finalized shortly, establishing the framework for the merged entity.
On financing, the sector minister revealed that sustaining the new operator would require $600 million over the next four years. He confirmed that government will inject resources, including proceeds from spectrum sales, while also inviting Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
The government currently owns 100% of AT Ghana and 30% of Telecel Ghana. Both companies have struggled with debts to vendors and partners, despite Telecel’s acquisition of Vodafone Ghana.
Govt has appointed KPMG as transaction advisor for Telecel-AT deal – Sam George
