Accra, March 24, 2025 – Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly criticized those responsible for the AirtelTigo transaction, labeling them as “enemies of the state” over the controversial sale of the telecommunications company.
The minister expressed outrage over the decision to sell AirtelTigo, which was saddled with a GHC 3.5 billion debt, for a token price of just one dollar.
Unpacking the Controversy
Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, Samuel George questioned the patriotism of those who managed the sale.
“Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism. So for anybody to have told us that they bought AirtelTigo for 1 dollar, and now that we have taken over the ministry, ATC (American Tower Company), just one of the companies AirtelTigo owes, has presented us with a bill of 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis,” he stated.
The minister further disclosed that discussions with the American Embassy highlighted concerns over AirtelTigo’s financial liabilities, which continue to accumulate interest.
“The American Embassy, along with their team, was in my office, and one of the major issues raised was the indebtedness to ATC. The debt sitting on the books of AirtelTigo exceeds 3.5 billion Ghana Cedis.
“So if someone told you that they bought it for 1 dollar, who is going to pay the 1.3 billion that is sitting there and accumulating interest?” he questioned.
Background of the AirtelTigo Sale
AirtelTigo, a joint venture between Airtel and Millicom, was officially handed over to the Government of Ghana in 2021 after a 100% share acquisition for the symbolic price of $1. The government justified the move as a strategic intervention to sustain jobs and maintain network operations.
However, the revelations by the minister raise serious concerns about the true financial burden of the acquisition and how the outstanding debts will be settled.
As scrutiny over the deal intensifies, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and accountability in handling state-related transactions in the telecom sector.
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