The Executives of Telecel Group, the new owners of what was formerly known as Vodafone Ghana have been introduced to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
British Telecommunications company, Vodafone Group PLC, completed the transfer of its 70% shares in Vodafone Ghana to the Telecel Group in January 2023 after the necessary regulatory approvals were granted.
The Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, as it is now known, Mrs Patricia Obo-Nai led the executives of the mother company to the Manhyia Palace on Friday, March 15, 2024.
She introduced Nicolas Bourg as the Board Chairman, Moh Damush as Group CEO, Malek Atrissi as Chief Operating Officer, Eleanor Azar as Chief of Staff and Husein Rifai as a Board Member.
In his speech, the Group CEO expressed his gratitude to the King for his unflinching support to the company since its takeover last year.
“We have started in Ghana for the past one year and since that time, we have had a lot of support from Your Majesty and during this time, we just wanted to come and say Thank you for all the support.”
He also assured His Majesty of the security of employees saying, “We have heard also all the messages of Your Majesty of the protection of the employees of the company which we have taken very seriously. We are in that direction and with the blessings of Your Majesty, we will protect the employees.”
Heal KATH
He further announced a donation of ¢20,000 towards the revenue mobilization for the renovation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
“We heard about His Majesty’s initiative to revamp the hospital in the region. It is something that we appreciate a lot. We consider that this initiative is important to Manhyia and as such, we would like to contribute as Telecel Group ¢20,000.”
Otumfuo Invitational Golf Tournament
Mr Atrissi also assured of continuous sponsorship od the annual Otumfuo Invitational Golf Tournament organized by the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi.
“We want to confirm our commitment to the sponsorship of the Golf tournament in the past years. Of course, this year will be very special with the 25th Anniversary.”
Expectations
Otumfuo in his address disclosed he welcomed the new owners after Mrs Obo-Nai assured him of the needed security for the Ghanaian employees as well as assurances about the needed investment in the business.
He expects Telecel to compete with the leaders in the market and retake its previous position.
“The company existed before all telecommunication companies in the country today but I realised that some had surpassed Vodafone… You come at a time when the challenges are there. The majority of the market share is not in your favour but I expect that in the next five years, you catch up through the technology you introduce here.”
He also expects personnel to be given the needed training and equipped with advanced technology.
“You’ve come at a time when I feel that the infusion of capital and technology and innovations will help build this company again. You carry the majority shares {in the company} and therefore you come at a time when I need training for my people and the technology transfer for them.
“We expect that this partnership will benefit Ghana and your country as well. Listening to the Group CEO, I believe you are ready to take over from here. I expect that from now things will change and everything will be okay.”
He finally assured the team of his support in growing the company.
Among the Telecel Ghana team were Muhammad Ghaddar, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, the Human Resources Director, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, the Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications and Kwaku Asiedu, the Executive Head for Ashanti Region.
Source: Manhyia Palace
