AirtelTigo losing GH₵20m monthly; total debts exceed $200m - Sam George

The government has revealed financial issues at AirtelTigo. The state-owned telecom operator has a $200 million debt. It is losing about GH₵20 million each month.

During a media briefing in Accra on April 9, 2025, Minister Samuel Nartey George spoke out. He criticized the previous administration for buying the company for just $1.

Mr. George called this decision “ill-informed, reckless and unpatriotic.” He highlighted the serious challenges facing AirtelTigo.

He explained that the Akufo-Addo administration bought AirtelTigo in 2020 for $1. However, they inherited a much larger debt of $400 million.

Mr. George said the previous government did not conduct proper due diligence. They left AirtelTigo in a “failing and obsolete” condition.

Although the debt was restructured to $200 million, losses continue monthly. The company generates insufficient revenue to cover its operational costs.

He also mentioned that AirtelTigo’s core billing and network systems are outdated. They have not been upgraded in five years and are no longer effective.

The ministry is currently negotiating with creditors to reduce the debt. Mr. George promised that a new policy direction would be announced soon. This plan aims to protect jobs and secure the company's future.