AirtelTigo in GH₵3.5b Debt Crisis – Sam George

AirtelTigo, the telecommunications company acquired by the Ghanaian government for just one dollar, is now burdened with a staggering GH₵3.5 billion debt, according to Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.

The minister has strongly criticized those involved in the transaction, calling them "enemies of our state" for brokering a deal that left the company in severe financial distress.

Sam George revealed that AirtelTigo owes GH₵1.5 billion to American Tower Company (ATC), raising concerns about the company's ability to sustain its operations. He noted that despite the government’s acquisition of the telecom provider for a nominal amount, it is now facing substantial financial obligations that continue to accrue interest.

"Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are individuals who have no sense of patriotism. For anyone to claim that we bought AirtelTigo for just one dollar, and now the ministry is dealing with a GH₵1.5 billion bill from ATC, is deeply concerning," Sam George stated in Parliament on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The minister further disclosed that discussions with the American Embassy had highlighted major concerns regarding AirtelTigo’s financial obligations. He questioned who would ultimately bear the responsibility for the GH₵3.5 billion debt, warning that the situation could worsen if left unresolved.

The government of Ghana finalized the 100% acquisition of AirtelTigo from Bharti Airtel and Millicom International Cellular SA (Tigo) in November 2021 for just $1. At the time, then-Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, defended the deal, emphasizing that it was a strategic move for Ghana’s telecom sector. However, the mounting debt has now cast doubt on the transaction's long-term viability.

Sam George has assured that Parliament will receive a full briefing on AirtelTigo’s financial burden and the alleged mismanagement that led to the crisis. As the government grapples with the debt-ridden state of the telecom provider, stakeholders are left questioning the transparency and foresight behind the deal.