Samuel Nartey George slams AirtelTigo deal, calls managers ‘Enemies of the State’

Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly condemned those responsible for the management of the AirtelTigo transaction, labeling them as “enemies of the state” over the sale of the telecommunications company.

His criticism stems from the controversial decision to sell AirtelTigo, which is saddled with a staggering GHC3.5 billion debt, for a symbolic price of just one dollar.

Addressing journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister expressed his dismay at how the deal was handled, questioning the patriotism of those involved.

“Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism. So for anybody to have told us that they bought AirtelTigo for 1 dollar, and now that we have taken over the ministry, ATC (American Tower Company), just one of the companies AirtelTigo owes, has presented us with a bill of 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis,” he stated.

He further revealed that discussions with officials from the American Embassy shed light on the company’s severe financial liabilities.

*”The American Embassy, along with their team, was in my office, and one of the major issues raised was the indebtedness to ATC. The debt sitting on the books of AirtelTigo exceeds 3.5 billion Ghana Cedis.

“So if someone told you that they bought it for 1 dollar, who is going to pay the 1.3 billion that is sitting there and accumulating interest?”* he questioned.

The Minister’s remarks have reignited concerns about the financial implications of the deal and the burden it places on the state. As the government navigates the situation, the spotlight remains on those responsible for overseeing the transaction and the steps needed to address the company’s mounting debt.

Source: dailymailgh.com