By Judy Ahinakwa
The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has lamented that Vodafone Ghana has been sold on credit at a cheaper price, even though the telecommunications firm is worth $1 billion.
According to him, he is demanding answers from the government regarding the purported sale of Vodafone for less than $100 million, and due to this, he needs answers from the Sector Minister, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
“I want the leader of government business and business committee to Programme the Hon. Minister for communications to come and respond to this house whether it is true that Vodafone, a $1 billion asset of the Republic of Ghana, has been sold on credit for less than a $100million and what the state of that transaction is, as an economic transaction within the meaning of Article 185 of the 1992 constitution. And probably to also update this house on this house in the whittling away of Ghana’s telecom landscape and its strength. Minister for Agriculture, you know I don’t speculate, I’m above speculation,” the Member of Parliament for Tamale South said.
Speaking in Parliament, the MP said the Communications Minister must appear before Parliament to brief the House on the transaction.
Background
Telecel Group Completes Agreement to Acquire Majority Shares in Vodafone Ghana
Vodafone Group Plc has completed the transfer of its 70% majority shares in Vodafone Ghana (Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited – GTCL), to the Telecel Group after successfully obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals, including the agreement of the Government of Ghana, as a minority shareholder. This is the most recent major change for the Ghanaian telecommunications company since 2008 when Vodafone Group Plc purchased a controlling interest in GTCL and established Vodafone Ghana.
Telecel is an Africa-focused telecommunication company, with a brand founded in 1986, operating primarily in Africa and converging telecommunication with fintech, e-commerce, and tech startups. The completion of the agreement to acquire Vodafone Ghana by Telecel Group presents an opportunity for further innovation and continued delivery of unparalleled services to Ghanaians.
Operations of Vodafone Ghana and its three subsidiaries; National Communication Backbone Company Limited (Vodafone Wholesale), Vodafone Ghana Mobile Financial Services Limited (Vodafone Cash), and the Vodafone Ghana Foundation, will continue operations uninterrupted while embracing exciting new possibilities.
‘This acquisition is a testament to our enthusiasm and positive outlook for the Ghanaian market, which we view as a vital market with unlimited potential for digitalization and innovation in Africa. Telecel Group is eager to develop and bring forward-thinking offerings to our subscribers, enterprises, and communities in Ghana. We look forward to a transformation journey of Vodafone Ghana with the contribution and growth of its human capital.’ stated Malek Atrissi, Telecel Group’s COO.
Vodafone Ghana assures its customers and stakeholders of their unwavering commitment to continuity across all services and products. Vodafone Ghana’s CEO, Patricia Obo-Nai said: ‘We are fully committed to delivering excellence across all facets of the business and providing our customers with innovative products and services.
About Vodafone Ghana
Vodafone Ghana is a leading provider of telecommunications services to consumers, corporates, and multinationals in Ghana. Vodafone is the only total communications solutions provider – mobile, fixed lines, internet, voice, and data – and is currently the telecom company of choice for Ghanaians. It is the second-ranked operator in terms of market share in the sector.
About Telecel Group
Telecel Group is an Africa-focused Telecom company with a diverse approach in the telecom space driven by digitalization and innovation. It has successfully established itself as a key service provider for both mobile users and enterprises, focusing on selected areas of development to ensure significant future growth on the African continent. Telecel is also an anchor for supporting startups with its African Startup Initiative Program, “ASIP”.
