Gov’t signs agreement with AirtelTigo for transfer of ownership

The Government and the parent companies of AirtelTigo, Bharti Airtel Ghana Holdings B.V., MIC Africa B.V have concluded negotiations and signed an agreement to transfer the shares of the company to the Ghana government.

It follows the announcement of the company’s departure from the Ghanaian market last year.

A statement issued on Friday, April 16, 2021 by Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Communication Minister says, “the agreement transfers all customers, assets and agreed liabilities of AirtelTigo to government”.

“We consider this a positive step as it adds to the growing portfolio of digital infrastructure assets being utilised by the government, it added.

“Government will operate this national asset in the best interest of the nation, the company, telecommunications industry, and ensure the protection of the interests of all employees, customers, contractors, suppliers, stakeholders and sustain the digital transformation of Ghana,” the statement said.

According to the Ablekuma West MP,  “The telecommunications sector is of strategic importance to the government and it is critical the sector remains healthy, dynamic, vibrant and most importantly, competitive. We are determined to make Ghana the digital hub of the subregion and this acquisition is a step in the right direction”.

The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP) signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana, while Ms. Jatina Catharina Uneken-van de Vreede, Mr. Martin P Frechette, Mr. Timothy Pennington, Mr. Eric Nana Nipah and Mr. Vish Ashiagbor signed on behalf of the seller entities.

In October 2020, Airtel and Millicom announced that they were exiting the Ghanaian market and this agreement concludes the extensive negotiations between the parties to ensure a seamless transition and continued operation of AirtelTigo thereafter.