The government has moved to calm concerns among AT Ghana employees, assuring them that the planned merger with Telecel Ghana will not result in job losses.
At a meeting with staff in Accra, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations Samuel Nartey George said all 300 permanent staff of AT Ghana would be retained under the new arrangement.
“This is not a re-application process. It is a continuation of your contracts. Every one of you will be absorbed, unless you personally choose to leave,” he emphasised.
The minister added that the transition would also protect AT Ghana’s customers, stressing that service delivery would not be compromised. “Your jobs and the interests of subscribers are safe,” he assured.
The decision to merge the two companies follows mounting financial difficulties at AT Ghana, which posted more than $10 million in losses within the first eight months of the year. Mr George said continuing to use public funds to sustain the company was no longer viable.
“These losses are funded by taxpayers. That is money that should be building roads, water systems, and schools. We cannot keep pouring public funds into unsustainable operations,” he explained.
He noted that the merger would cut costs, reduce duplication, and ultimately strengthen Ghana’s telecoms market. More than 3.2 million AT subscribers have already been moved onto Telecel’s network under a national roaming agreement, which the ministry described as “98% smooth”.
The integration will be implemented in phases, beginning with the near-complete technical migration, followed by human resource alignment to guarantee staff absorption by the end of September, and commercial restructuring to set up the framework for the new operator.
On financing, Mr George disclosed that the merged entity would require $600 million over the next four years, with the government contributing resources, including spectrum revenues, and urging Telecel and other partners to co-invest.
Currently, the state owns 100% of AT Ghana and 30% of Telecel Ghana.
