Government of Ghana in discussions with potential investor for modernization of AT Telecom
Ghanaian Government Announces Negotiations to Revamp State-Owned Telecom Operator, AT
The Ghanaian government is taking steps to revamp its telecommunications sector, with a focus on improving the performance of state-owned operator, AT. In a stakeholder meeting with telecom CEOs on May 30, Samuel Nartey George, the Communications Minister, announced negotiations aimed at taking over and revamping AT.
The negotiations are part of efforts to strengthen market competition and revive the company, which has struggled since the government took over in 2021. The planned deal aims to inject capital and technical know-how into AT, with the ultimate goal of improving its competitive standing in the telecom market.
The government is considering connecting entity licenses to help AT and another state-owned operator, Telecel, access the National Frequency Management Co. (NGIC) infrastructure. This move is expected to boost their operations and service delivery.
In addition to the telecom sector, the Ghanaian government is also engaged in revamping its aviation sector with strategic improvements, including structural changes and partnerships to enhance operational efficiency. Regarding the strategic investor for the AT revamp negotiations, no direct mention of a finalized partner has been made public as of yet.
However, significant developments include the establishment of a new independent air navigation services agency, decoupling service provision from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCA). This agency, backed by Act 1051 (2020), will manage air navigation service delivery independently, allowing the GCA to focus on regulation.
Planned improvements in the aviation sector include the termination of a controversial revenue assurance contract with Evatex Logistics Limited, legal reclamations of airport land to ensure proper control and development rights, a new revival strategy involving a virtual interline agreement with Royal Air Maroc, and expansion plans from local operators like Air Ghana.
The government expects a full rollout of improved AT services by the end of Q3 2025. The negotiations have been given a 60-day window to finalize the deal for the takeover and revamp of AT. The ultimate goal is to modernize Ghana's air traffic management and extend service coverage to parts of West Africa, emphasizing accountability and transparency.
In the pursuit of modernizing various sectors, the Ghanaian government is not only focusing on enhancing the telecommunications sector for better competition, but also aiming to revive the state-owned telecom operator, AT, utilizing technology and finance in the negotiations. Consequently, the planned deal aims to infuse capital and technological expertise into AT, fostering its competitiveness in the telecom market.
