Accra: The Minority on the Information and Communication Committee of Parliament has raised concerns over the Minister of Communication’s handling of the proposed acquisition of AT, formerly AirtelTigo, by Telecel, which was formerly Vodafone. The group has criticized the process as being secretive and lacking transparency.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Minority Caucus addressed the Parliamentary Press Corps at Parliament House, expressing their disapproval of the transaction. Mr. Matthew Nyindam, the Ranking Member on the Information and Communication Committee, highlighted suspicions of a potential conflict of interest, stating, “We are not oblivious of the newfound relationship between the minister and Telecel,” and pointed to alleged private gains for the minister.

The Caucus has demanded an immediate halt to the transaction, calling for a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry into the circumstances and terms of the proposed deal. They are seeking full disclosure of all related agreements, correspondence, and reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

The group emphasized the strategic importance of AT to the nation’s infrastructure, digital sovereignty, and economic development. They warned against unilateral decisions by the minister, which could impact the telecom sector and the livelihoods of thousands of employees associated with AT.

Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on competition within the telecom industry, citing fears that the consolidation could reduce consumer choice and weaken market dynamics. The Minority Caucus stands in solidarity with Ghanaians who are worried about the implications of the merger.

In a related address, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, clarified that the deal was a restructuring effort to address AT’s debts and strengthen the sector, rather than a legal merger. Despite this clarification, the Minority Caucus remains apprehensive.

Currently, MTN dominates the market with a 73.87 percent share, while AT and Telecel hold 7.82 percent and 18.3 percent respectively. The combined entity would still hold less than 30 percent of the market, but the Minority Caucus insists on thorough examination and transparency in the process.