Accra court blocks Airtel Ghana asset transfers amid ICC arbitration

The Commercial Division of Accra’s High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing Airtel Ghana from transferring or disposing of its assets, pending the resolution of arbitration proceedings at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.

The dispute, brought by ATC Tower Ghana, involves claims of overdue payments by Airtel Ghana. The court's ruling, delivered on January 14, 2025, aims to protect the integrity of the arbitration process and ensure that any future arbitration award is enforceable.

The injunction prohibits Airtel Ghana and its affiliates from engaging in asset-related transactions until the ICC issues a final decision. Legal experts argue that this decision is crucial to mitigating financial risks and preserving the arbitration process.

The case highlights challenges faced by multinational telecom operators in Ghana’s competitive and regulatory environment. The arbitration may take several months to conclude.