Ghana's authorities are engaged in negotiations with a prospective investor for a potential overhaul of AT Telecom.
The Ghanaian government has completed the acquisition of AirtelTigo, a state-owned telecom operator that has struggled to compete since the government took over in 2021. The deal, which was approved by the board of the parent company Bharti Airtel, marks a significant step towards addressing AirtelTigo's financial and operational challenges.
The revamped company, now known as AT Ghana, has signed a joint venture agreement with the UK private equity firm Hannam Investments for partnership in its operations. This strategic alliance is aimed at injecting capital and technical know-how into AT Ghana, with the ultimate goal of reviving the company and improving its market position.
The deal could potentially lead to changes in AT's management and operational structure, as well as a full rollout of improved AT services by the end of Q3 2025. The government expects this revamping and takeover to help AT Ghana perform better in the competitive telecom sector.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced the negotiations during a stakeholder meeting with telecom CEOs on May 30, 2023. He emphasized that the deal is part of efforts to strengthen market competition in the sector.
The success of this deal could set a precedent for future partnerships in the Ghanaian telecom sector. However, the identity of the strategic investor for AT has not been disclosed yet.
Meanwhile, the cabinet has approved new spectrum allocations for MTN and Telecel, another move aimed at boosting competition in the sector. As of late July 2025, no more recent public updates have been found regarding further negotiations or the completion of the revamp process.
MTN is welcome to participate in the resources if they are interested. The negotiations with the strategic investor for AT are still ongoing. The government is also considering connecting entity licenses to help AT and Telecel access NGIC infrastructure.
This move by the Ghanaian government underscores its commitment to revitalizing the telecom sector and ensuring a competitive market landscape. The collaboration with Hannam Investments and potential partnerships with other strategic investors could pave the way for a brighter future for telecommunications in Ghana.
The collaboration with Hannam Investments, a UK private equity firm, signifies a business venture in the telecom sector for AT Ghana, aiming to inject finance and technology to enhance their operations and improve market position. The strategic alliance could potentially lead to changes in AT's management and operational structure, with the ultimate goal of reviving the company.
