Don't milk AirtelTigo like other Government Companies - SamGeorge Cautions

The Deputy Ranking Member on the Communication Committee and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram Honourable Samuel Nattey George has confirmed that his attention has been drawn to news publication which indicates that Honourable Minister for Communications has acquired  AirtelTigo from Bharti Airtel for a total sum of US$25 million.

He made this statement in a press release he shared with the media.

According to the MP, he sides with most Ghanaians who are requesting assurances that the fate of AirtelTigo will not be similar to most government parastatals, underpinned by negligence, inefficiency and drastic financial meltdown. 

He stated that it is quite clearly the bedrock relevance of Information Communication Technology to the transformation of Ghana‘s economic development agenda cannot be overemphasized as evident from the recent global epidemic. 

"I  am convinced that with a clear and concrete strategy driven by professionals and support by regulatory congruence, AirtelTigo can be turned around to enhance healthy competition within the ICT industry to the ultimate benefit of Ghanaians," he said.

Mr George revealed that, Unfortunately, the circumstances leading to the actions emanating thereafter and the plan of action for a quick revamp of AirtelTigo has been confusing, shrouded in secrecy and sometimes contradictory. 

This development is rather unfortunate as we would expect transparency in such a major development that has economic and financial implications for the Ghanaians people. 

As Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications, | have indicated to Leadership my intention to as a matter of urgency call for an emergency meeting between the Committee and the Ministry to get a thorough and detailed briefing on the modalities of the alleged purchase, the economic state of AirtelTigo, issues regarding the status and welfare of Ghanaian workers of AirtelTigo and to understand the intention of the Ministry with regards the long term plans for the company. 

These calls are borne out of a need for Ghanaians to get an understanding of the transaction and for Parliament to exercise its oversight responsibility. My position is fortified by the provisions of Article 103(3) of the 1992 Constitution which states; 

“Committees of Parliament shall be charged with such functions, including the investigation and inquiry into the activities and administration of ministries and departments as parliament may determine; and such investigation and inquiries may extend to proposals for legislation.” 

"It is my hope that the Ministry would cooperate with the Committee as we carry out our mandate in the public interest and in line with global best practices of accountability."

E K Ansah Parliament