The Government of Ghana has confirmed it is in advanced negotiations with a strategic investor to revitalise AT, the state-owned telecom operator formerly known as AirtelTigo.
The planned deal is aimed at injecting much-needed capital and technical expertise into AT, which has struggled to keep pace with market leaders since it was taken over by the government in 2021. Authorities hope the revamp will enhance competition and drive improvements in mobile and data services for consumers.
Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation Minister Samuel Nartey George made the announcement during a stakeholder engagement with telecom industry executives.
“We have given a 60-day window for the completion of those negotiations,” Mr George told attendees. “By the end of the third quarter, we expect to see a full rollout of the improved services from AT.”
The move is part of a broader government strategy to reposition AT as a viable competitor in Ghana’s telecom market, which is currently dominated by private operators such as MTN and Telecel.
As part of that effort, Mr George also revealed Cabinet approval for new spectrum allocations to major industry players. Telecel and MTN are among the companies set to benefit from the spectrum boost, which is expected to enhance infrastructure and improve network quality across the country.
“The regulators brought to my attention a request for connecting entity licences, so that AT and Telecel, who are currently constrained spectrum-wise, can tap into resources on the NGIC platform,” Mr George added.
Industry watchers say the moves, attracting a new investor for AT and allocating additional spectrum, represent a renewed push by the government to drive innovation and improve digital connectivity nationwide.
The identity of the potential investor in AT has not been disclosed, but sources close to the matter say talks are progressing with urgency, given the government’s Q3 service rollout goal.
