The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly condemned the sale of AirtelTigo, a major telecommunications company in Ghana, labeling those responsible for managing the transaction as “enemies of the state.”
His comments come after the controversial sale of the company, which was burdened with a significant GHC3.5 billion debt, for the remarkably low price of just one dollar.
In an impassioned address to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, Minister Nartey George expressed his deep concerns over the decision to offload such a crucial national asset for what he described as “a pittance.
He questioned the motivations of those involved in the sale, suggesting that their actions were not only damaging to the nation’s economy but also reflected a lack of patriotism.
“How can you sell a company that is heavily indebted for just one dollar? This is a transaction that raises serious questions about the intentions of those who were behind it,” the Minister said, visibly upset.
“It is beyond comprehension, and it’s clear that those who facilitated this deal are not acting in the best interests of Ghana.”
The deal, which has sparked outrage across various sectors of society, has drawn widespread criticism due to its highly unfavorable terms. AirtelTigo, which has been a key player in Ghana’s telecommunications sector, was sold to a company with little to no financial capability to service its mounting debt.
This move, according to experts, could have significant repercussions for both the telecommunications industry and Ghana’s economic stability.
Minister Nartey George further expressed disbelief at the lack of transparency in the entire process, calling for a full investigation into how the deal was structured and who benefited from the transaction.
He demanded that those responsible be held accountable, citing the sale as a potentially catastrophic misstep for the nation’s digital infrastructure and economy.
The Minister’s criticism also extended to the broader issue of state assets being sold off under questionable circumstances, warning that such deals could undermine public trust in the government and its commitment to protecting the country’s resources.
AirtelTigo’s sale has become a flashpoint for debates surrounding corporate governance, national assets, and the management of public enterprises in Ghana.
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Audio PlayerStory by: Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #ahotoronline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com
