The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has sharply criticized those responsible for managing the AirtelTigo transaction, describing them as “enemies of the state” over the sale of the telecommunications company.
He raised concerns over the decision to sell AirtelTigo—burdened with a GHC3.5 billion debt—for a token price of just one dollar.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister questioned the patriotism of those who oversaw the process.
“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 disclosed that discussions with the American Embassy brought to light concerns over AirtelTigo’s 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.
