By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Telecel Ghana has strongly rejected allegations by the Minority in Parliament suggesting that it is involved in a secret takeover of AT Ghana, describing the claims as “misleading” and “inaccurate.”
In a statement released on Thursday, October 16, the telecommunications company clarified that its engagement with AT Ghana stems from a directive by the National Communications Authority (NCA) to provide national roaming support after AT Ghana’s sites were shut down by ATC Ghana in August over unpaid debts.
“Without this intervention, AT customers would not have been able to use mobile voice and data services across the country,” the statement read. Telecel explained that the arrangement is only a temporary measure pending the outcome of assessments by the government’s appointed transaction advisor, KPMG.
The company also refuted claims of being financially distressed, stressing that it remains profitable, with year-to-date net earnings running into hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis. Telecel disclosed that it has invested more than US$240 million since acquiring the business in 2023, significantly above the US$10 million figure cited by the Minority.
“These investments have been used to clear legacy debts, expand and modernize network infrastructure, and enhance digital services across Ghana,” the company stated.
Telecel further emphasized that it has honored its commitment to staff welfare, noting that none of its more than 600 employees have been made redundant since the acquisition, and that the company continues to be recognized as a “Top Employer” each year.
The company also dismissed suggestions that its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives were politically motivated. It cited recent CSR efforts, including the donation of advanced cervical cancer screening equipment to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund — launched earlier this year by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Additionally, Telecel highlighted its support for the One Million Coders Programme and sponsorship of traditional festivals in Kwahu, Osu, Ningo, Prampram, La, Cape Coast, and Gomoa Dawurampong.
“All requests for sponsorship have come from the various Traditional Councils and not the Minister. It therefore beats one’s imagination that our support for this year’s Homowo Festival, one among many others, could be interpreted as an attempt to influence decisions concerning AT,” the statement added.
Telecel reiterated that it operates legally in Ghana as Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, with the Government of Ghana holding a 30 percent stake.
“Telecel remains open to engaging constructively with all relevant stakeholders to provide factual information and ensure that public discourse on this matter is guided by truth,” the company stated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, ethical business practices, and the continued expansion of digital access nationwide.
“We encourage the public to disregard any statements that misrepresent Telecel’s role, integrity, or intentions,” the company concluded.
