The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has dismissed reports suggesting that the ongoing partnership between AT Ghana and Telecel constitutes a merger or acquisition. 

He stressed that the move was a temporary regulatory intervention to protect consumers following AT’s debt crisis with tower operator ATC Ghana.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Friday [Sept 5, 2025], Mr George explained that the impasse dates back to 2020 when AT defaulted on recurring charges and accumulated debts owed to ATC. By September 1, 2025, the debt had ballooned to over US$150 million, compelling ATC to disconnect power to AT’s sites nationwide.

To avert a nationwide communications blackout affecting over three million subscribers, the National Communications Authority (NCA) directed AT and Telecel to establish a national roaming agreement. 

This measure, he said, had ensured that all of AT’s services—voice, data, SMS and mobile money—remain functional on Telecel’s network.

“What is happening and playing out is not a merger and neither is it an acquisition. Government urges all stakeholders, including subscribers, tower companies, suppliers and creditors, to await the outcome of the transaction advisor's work, which will provide clarity on outstanding debts, services and the future of AT Ghana,” he said. 

Mr George commended the technical teams of both companies for their swift integration efforts, which he said demonstrated the capability of Ghanaian engineers. 

He, however, cautioned that some subscribers might face minor service disruptions during the migration.
On the future of AT Ghana, he announced that government had appointed KPMG as transaction advisor with a 60-day mandate to provide recommendations on restoring balance to Ghana’s telecom market. 

The advisor will also review government’s shareholding in Telecel Ghana.

Mr George further assured that all 300 permanent staff of AT Ghana will retain their jobs, while the fate of over 200 contract staff is under review.