Ghana's Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has reiterated that the government of Ghana acquired AirtelTigo for a dollar, describing assertions that the telecom company was acquired for $25 million as a “barefaced lie”.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful stressed this in response to the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Sam George on the matter.

In a Facebook post, the Ablekuma West MP noted: “Some people find it very difficult to believe we can negotiate good deals for government. I signed the AirtelTigo contract. We acquired it for just a dollar.

Someone, an MP, says he heard me say we paid $25 million. A barefaced lie.... blatant untruth.

Please ask Sam George where he heard that. Then Sit back and listen to long, English grammar and drama.... just keep your eyes on the ball. How much did we pay to acquire the company? 1 dollar, Simple!!”

The Government of Ghana and the parent companies of AirtelTigo, Bharti Airtel Ghana Holdings B.V., MIC Africa B.V, concluded negotiations and signed an agreement to transfer the shares of the company to the Ghana government following the announcement of the company’s departure from the Ghanaian market last year.

This agreement transfers all customers, assets and agreed liabilities of AirtelTigo to the Government of Ghana. 

“We consider this a positive step as it adds to the growing portfolio of digital infrastructure assets being utilised by the government”, a statement signed by Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful said.

The statement said the government “will operate this national asset in the best interest of the nation, the company, telecommunications industry, and ensure the protection of the interests of all employees, customers, contractors, suppliers, stakeholders and sustain the digital transformation of Ghana”.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful signed on behalf of the government of Ghana, while Ms. Jatina Catharina Uneken-van de Vreede, Mr Martin P Frechette, Mr Timothy Pennington, Mr Eric Nana Nipah and Mr Vish Ashiagbor signed on behalf of the seller entities.

In October 2020, Airtel and Millicom announced that they were exiting the Ghanaian market and this agreement concludes the extensive negotiations between the parties to ensure a seamless transition and continued operation of AirtelTigo thereafter.

“The telecommunications sector is of strategic importance to the government and it is critical the sector remains healthy, dynamic, vibrant and most importantly, competitive. We are determined to make Ghana the digital hub of the subregion and this acquisition is a step in the right direction”.