- The American Embassy highlighted the company’s severe financial situation
- George’s comments fuel concerns over the transparency and financial impact of the deal
- He questions the loyalty of those involved in the sale, criticizing their lack of national responsibility
Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has strongly condemned those involved in the AirtelTigo deal, labeling them as “enemies of the state” for selling the telecommunications firm for a mere dollar, despite its hefty debt load.
Speaking to reporters in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister questioned the national loyalty of those who managed the sale, emphasizing the company’s overwhelming financial obligations.
“Those responsible for the AirtelTigo deal are adversaries of our nation and individuals devoid of patriotism. For someone to claim they purchased AirtelTigo for one dollar, and now that we have assumed control of the ministry, ATC (American Tower Company), one of the creditors of AirtelTigo, has presented us with a bill of 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis,” he remarked.
He also disclosed that talks with the American Embassy revealed the dire financial condition of AirtelTigo.
“The American Embassy, along with their team, visited my office, and one of the primary concerns discussed was the debt to ATC. The total debt on AirtelTigo’s books exceeds 3.5 billion Ghana Cedis,” he said.
The Minister questioned who would be responsible for managing the burden of the accumulated debt. “If someone claimed they acquired it for a dollar, who will settle the 3.5 billion in debt that is accruing interest?” he queried.
Sam George’s comments contribute to the ongoing controversy over the transparency and financial consequences of the AirtelTigo transaction.
