The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has called on government to suspend the proposed merger between AT Ghana and Telecel, cautioning that the move could entrench inefficiency in the telecom sector and further consolidate MTN’s dominance.
Mr. Opoku, who has previously backed efforts to rebalance Ghana’s telecom market, said a stronger alternative is now available and must be given due consideration. According to him, Canadian multinational Rektron Group has presented proof of $150 million in funding to KPMG, the government’s transaction advisor, as part of a bid to acquire a majority stake in AT Ghana.
The Rektron proposal includes clearing AT’s debts, recapitalising its operations, modernising its network, and accelerating the rollout of 4G and 5G services.
“This is a credible investment that can restore competition and rebuild confidence in our telecom sector,” the MP said. “Rushing into a merger of two fragile operators, while ignoring a well-funded investor with a clear plan, risks repeating the mistakes of expedience.”
Mr. Opoku also expressed concern over ongoing discussions between government and MTN on 5G deployment, despite the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) already holding a ten-year exclusive nationwide licence. He warned that parallel arrangements could create regulatory confusion, erode trust in government policy, and weaken market competition.
He therefore urged the government to prioritise transparency and subject both the Rektron investment proposal and the AT–Telecel merger to open scrutiny.
“Parliament and the public deserve clarity on which option best protects taxpayer funds, creates fair competition, and ensures affordable, reliable service for Ghanaians,” he stated.
The lawmaker emphasised that Ghana’s digital transformation agenda depends on tackling structural market imbalances and enforcing strong regulatory oversight.
“Strengthening the regulator’s authority and ensuring adherence to licensing agreements are key to reducing MTN’s dominance and safeguarding the future of our telecom sector,” Mr. Opoku added.
