Gov’t to Merge AT Ghana and Telecel

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has announced plans to merge AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) with Telecel Ghana in a move aimed at creating a more competitive and financially sustainable telecom operator.

At a staff engagement session held at AT Ghana’s Head Office in Accra, sector Minister Samuel Nartey George (MP) assured all 300 permanent employees of AT that their jobs are secured 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 said.

Mr. Sam George also assured AT customers that their interests would be protected during the transition, stressing that the merger was designed to improve service delivery rather than disrupt it.

The Ministry cited AT Ghana’s precarious financial position as the main driver behind the merger. The company recorded over $10 million in losses within the first eight months of 2025, a situation the Minister said was no longer sustainable.“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 cautioned.

He explained that consolidating AT and Telecel would cut operational costs, eliminate duplication, and strengthen the telecom sector.“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,” Mr. George added.

So far, more than 3.2 million AT subscribers have been migrated onto Telecel’s network under a national roaming arrangement, which the Ministry said had been “98% smooth.”

The integration will roll out in three phases:1. Technical migration – nearly complete, with national roaming already in effect.2. Human resource alignment – ensuring all staff are absorbed before the end of September.3. Commercial restructuring – finalising the framework for the merged entity.

On financing, Mr. George revealed that sustaining the merged operator would require about $600 million over the next four years. He noted that the government would inject funds, partly from spectrum sales, while encouraging Telecel and other partners to co-invest.

Currently, government owns 100% of AT Ghana and holds a 30% stake in Telecel Ghana. Both firms have faced financial strain in recent years, with debts owed to vendors and partners despite Telecel’s recent acquisition of Vodafone Ghana.