By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, May 05, GNA – Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, says the Government is set to revive AT Telecom, formally Airtel Tigo.
These steps, he said, were also part of efforts to stabilize and grow the national telecommunication sector.
Addressing the media, after a familiarization visit to the company, Mr George acknowledged the troubled state of AT, attributing much of its current challenges to legacy issues, dating as far back as 2009.
The Minister noted that although the upcoming reforms would involve difficult decisions, they were necessary for ensuring AT’s long-term viability and repositioning as a credible player in Ghana’s telecommunications sector.
Mr George said the government’s primary goal was to restore the company’s viability while safeguarding the livelihoods of approximately 500 permanent staff and the 10,000 people indirectly dependent on the company’s operations.
At the same time, he stressed the need to ensure that AT customers received reliable and high-quality service.
He said a comprehensive recovery roadmap is expected to be unveiled within the next eight weeks, built around key strategies such as debt restructuring, potential private investment, and improved management support.
He confirmed that debt restructuring was a top priority, as unresolved liabilities have hindered AT’s ability to attract new investments. “We have begun engaging with creditors to restructure the debt. Without that, we cannot attract the investment needed for growth.”
“There are proposals already on the table. We are optimistic that by the end of this process, AT will be back on solid economic footing. This is a 100 per cent government-owned company. It belongs to the people of Ghana, and it must work for the benefit of Ghanaians.”
Mr George added that as part of the recovery process, the government was also openned to options such as technical management support or partnerships with strategic investors. “We are exploring all options, the goal is to find a path to commercial viability, whatever it takes.”
He acknowledged the resilience and dedication of the company’s human capital, commending them for keeping the company operational despite severe constraints. “It is safe to say the company is running on fumes, but I am confident better days are ahead.”
“AT is a troubled company, no questions about it, but it also has some of the best human capital in the telecom sector, who have managed to keep the company afloat through trying times.”
The minister urged them to remain committed during the transition period, assuring them that their welfare, alongside the livelihood of over 10,000 individuals indirectly impacted by the company, remained a top government priority.
“With the guidance of President Mahama, a former Communications Minister himself, we are confident in our ability to rebuild AT into a commercially viable and profitable enterprise, that will be worth far more than the symbolic $1 valuation it has today” he added.
Mr Leo Skarlatos, Chief Executive Officer, AT, expressed full support for the Government’s upcoming interventions, saying, “Government has 100 per cent backing of management and staff of the company. We only urge that the necessary decisions be made quickly so we can begin the journey toward recovery and growth.”
AT was launched in November 2017, from a merger between erstwhile Airtel and Tigo.
It is a brand providing a wide range of telecommunications services, including mobile voice, data, mobile financial services and business connectivity solutions.
As a solely owned government organisation, the company aims to keep consumers and businesses digitally connected, deliver innovative solutions that are simple, transparent and relevant, be a great place of work for employees, and be a partner of choice for all business and national stakeholders.
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