Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has vehemently denounced the sale of AirtelTigo, a telecommunications entity burdened with a staggering GHC3.5 billion debt, for a meager sum of one dollar.
Hon. George’s scathing censure was directed at those responsible for orchestrating the AirtelTigo transaction, whom he disparaged as “enemies of the state.”
Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, Hon. George castigated the individuals who oversaw the process, stating, “Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism.”
He expressed complete disbelief in the sale price, emphasizing the stark realities of AirtelTigo’s financial liabilities.
“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 declared.
Hon. George further revealed that deliberations with the American Embassy had brought to light concerns over AirtelTigo’s financial obligations.
“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 divulged.
George’s concerns were compounded by the looming question of who would assume responsibility for the debt.
“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 posed.
