All permanent staff to stay in AT–Telecel merger – Sam George

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has announced plans to merge AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) with Telecel Ghana, aiming to establish a more robust and sustainable telecom operator.
Speaking at a staff engagement session at AT Ghana’s headquarters in Accra, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George reassured employees that all 300 permanent staff would retain their positions under the new arrangement.
“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 stated.
The minister also pledged that AT customers would be fully protected throughout the transition.
The merger decision comes in response to AT Ghana’s worsening financial situation, having posted losses exceeding USD10 million within just eight months.
Mr George argued that continued reliance on public funds to sustain the company was untenable.
“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 noted.
The Minister emphasised that the merger would streamline operations, eliminate duplication, and strengthen Ghana’s telecom landscape.
“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,” he stressed.
Already, over 3.2 million AT subscribers have been successfully transitioned onto Telecel’s network under a national roaming agreement, which the ministry described as 98 per cent smooth.
The integration will unfold in three phases:
Technical migration – nearing completion, with roaming already active.
Human resource alignment – ensuring full staff absorption by the end of September.
Commercial restructuring – to define the operational framework of the unified entity.
On financing, the minister revealed that the merged operator would require USD600 million over the next four years.
The government also plans to contribute resources, including proceeds from spectrum sales, and is encouraging Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
Currently, the government owns 100 per cent of AT Ghana and holds a 30 per cent stake in Telecel Ghana.
Both companies have faced mounting debts to vendors and partners, despite Telecel’s acquisition of Vodafone Ghana.