The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly criticized those responsible for the AirtelTigo transaction, describing them as “enemies of the state” for selling the telecommunications company at a token price of one dollar despite its significant debt burden.
Addressing journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister questioned the patriotism of those who oversaw the sale, highlighting the company’s staggering financial liabilities.
“Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism. For anybody to have told us that they bought AirtelTigo for one 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 revealed that discussions with the American Embassy brought to light the severity of AirtelTigo’s financial situation.
“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,” he disclosed.
The Minister questioned who would bear the financial burden of the accumulated debt.
“So if someone told you that they bought it for one dollar, who is going to pay the 3.5 billion that is sitting there and accumulating interest?” he asked.
Sam George’s remarks add to the growing debate over the transparency and financial implications of the AirtelTigo transaction.
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