The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the Minister of Communications, Samuel Nartey George, to stop what they describe as a hasty attempt to dispose of the state-owned telecom company, AT (formerly AirtelTigo).
According to them, they will not allow the Minister to dispose of such a critical national asset like AT.
At a press conference on October 15, Ranking Member for the Information and Communication Committee as well as MP for Kpandai, Mathew Nyindam said the government’s priority should be to make AT work.
The Minority accused the current government and Communications Minister of inconsistencies when it comes to the plan for the future of AT, leaving the staff in a state of confusion.
“The current situation has made it increasingly clear that there are deep-seated doubts, contradictions, and confusion surrounding the entire plan for AT largely because it has been shrouded in secrecy and characterized by a glaring lack of transparency.”
They said that AT is a strategic national asset which was acquired to promote a certain goal.
“By safeguarding AT, we are protecting 300 employees, 200 contract staff and over 10,000 indirect employments in line with the objective of the acquisition of AT by government.”
“We ask the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to reign in his Minister for Communication to focus on making AT work rather than hastily trying to dispose it off,” they demanded.
“To this end, a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the proposed acquisition of AT by Telecel is imperative considering the growing inconsistencies, secrecy, and conflicting narratives surrounding the transaction.”
The Minority went on to express that they find it troubling that Sam George who was once a critic of the previous administration is now presiding over a worse process that appears to be taking place behind closed doors.
“We wish to make it clear that we will not sit idly by and allow a single Minister to unilaterally dispose of a critical national asset such as AT,” they stressed.
“It is about protecting a national institution that has served Ghana diligently, nurtured some of the finest talent in the industry, and proven its strategic importance in moments of national crisis.”
The Minority added that they firmly believe that any decision regarding the future of AT must be subjected to full parliamentary scrutiny.
