Host of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere, has expressed deep concern about what he describes as a lack of transparency in the alleged takeover of AT Ghana by Telecel, warning that the deal could have serious implications for the country’s telecommunications sector.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 18, Adom-Otchere described the situation as “very dangerous,” calling for greater accountability and clarity from government officials involved in the process.
“There is something very dangerous happening in the AT-Telecel matter,” Adom-Otchere said. “The point is that there is very little transparency in this problem and the minister must come better.”
He questioned the rationale behind the reported transaction, citing figures that suggest Telecel — which allegedly owes about GHS400 million — is positioned to take over AT Ghana, a company said to have a smaller debt of about GHS200 million.
“If these figures are true, then it means that the company with a bigger debt is being asked to take over the company with the smaller debt,” he noted.
Adom-Otchere also raised questions about a pledged $150 million investment from an entity named Rektron, reportedly undergoing evaluation by KPMG on behalf of the Ministry of Communications. He criticised the lack of follow-up on the findings of that assessment.
“There is also the issue of a $150 million that has been pledged by an investor called Rektron to invest in AT, which according to the minister had been subjected to a KPMG analysis. That KPMG analysis is yet to come out… He has not come back to say what KPMG said,” Adom-Otchere said.
Beyond the financial and procedural concerns, the broadcaster warned about the human impact of the alleged transaction, stressing that government decisions in critical sectors like telecommunications must not lead to mass layoffs.
“There are concerns that about 1,000 jobs may be lost,” he cautioned. “The important thing is that no minister for Ghana who has been elected should make any policy decision in a sensitive sector like telecoms that should occasion job losses.”
His comments follow a recent denial by Telecel Ghana of claims by the Minority in Parliament that it is involved in a “secret takeover” of AT Ghana. At a press briefing on October 15, Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, argued that the transaction went beyond a private business deal and had implications for national interest.
Telecel, however, dismissed the allegations as “misleading” and “inaccurate.” The company explained that its collaboration with AT Ghana stemmed from a directive by the National Communications Authority (NCA) to provide national roaming support after AT Ghana’s network sites were shut down by ATC Ghana over unpaid debts.
According to Telecel, the arrangement is temporary and is being supervised by KPMG, which was appointed by the government to assess the matter. The company also rejected claims that it is financially distressed, stating that it has invested more than US$240 million in its Ghana operations since acquiring the business in 2023.
“Till date, none of the over 600 employees in the organisation have been made redundant as promised,” the company said, noting that it has consistently been certified as a “Top Employer.”
Telecel further defended its corporate social responsibility initiatives, saying all sponsorship requests were initiated by local Traditional Councils, not government officials.
