Government of Ghana in negotiations with potential investor for AT Telecom modernization project
**Ghanaian Government Negotiates Takeover of State-Owned Telecom Operator AT**
The Ghanaian government is currently in negotiations to revamp and takeover state-owned telecom operator AT (formerly AirtelTigo), with the aim of strengthening market competition and injecting capital into the company. The negotiations are part of a broader push to expand digital infrastructure in Ghana, including efforts to improve data affordability, accelerate 5G deployment, and enhance digital payment systems.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced the negotiations in a recent stakeholder meeting, stating that the government is considering connecting entity licenses to help AT and Telecel access the National Frequency Management Co. (NGIC) infrastructure. George also noted that MTN is welcome to participate in the resources. No new information was provided about the identity of the strategic partner in the negotiations or the nature of the technical know-how to be provided.
As of late June 2025, the process appears to still be in the negotiation phase, with no confirmed deal or official timeline for the completion of the takeover and subsequent revamp of AT. The public updates are limited to the fact that negotiations are ongoing, and no additional milestones (such as due diligence, signing, or handover) have been publicly shared.
The expected timeline for the full rollout of improved AT services is by the end of Q3 2025. The planned deal is also intended to provide AT with technical know-how to help the company compete more effectively in the market.
The Ghanaian cabinet has also recently approved new spectrum allocations for MTN and Telecel, indicating a broader focus on improving telecommunications infrastructure in the country.
| Aspect | Status as of July 2025 | |--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Investor Identity | Not publicly disclosed | | Negotiation Stage | Ongoing | | Timeline | No official completion date or milestones shared | | Public Updates | Government in talks with an investor[2] | | Aligned Policies | National digital expansion and affordability goals|
Further developments are expected once negotiations conclude, but for now, the process remains in progress without additional specifics made public. It is unclear how the struggle of AT to compete since the government takeover in 2021 will be addressed as part of the revamp and takeover negotiations.
The negotiations involve discussions about injecting capital into AT, a state-owned telecom operator, which is part of a larger strategy to enhance digital infrastructure in Ghana. This strategy includes aspects like improving data affordability, accelerating 5G deployment, and enhancing digital payment systems.
The planned revamp and takeover of AT also aim to provide the company with technical know-how to help it compete more effectively in the business sector, particularly in the realm of technology. This know-how is expected to contribute to the company's overall improvement and success.
