The government has tapped KPMG as its transaction advisor for a proposed merger between AT Ghana—formerly AirtelTigo—and Telecel Ghana, in a bid to recalibrate the country’s mobile telecommunications landscape.

Communications Minister Sam Nartey George announced the appointment at a press conference on Friday, positioning the move as a strategic step toward creating a viable second national operator to challenge market dominance and spur competition.

“The government has appointed KPMG to act as transactional advisor to provide guidance on the future of AT, which is establishing a second strong operator to address the imbalance in Ghana’s mobile market,” Mr. George said.

The advisory mandate also includes a review of the state’s equity interest in Telecel Ghana, which acquired Vodafone Ghana in 2023. The review aims to assess whether restructuring the shareholding arrangement could enhance market competitiveness and service delivery.

KPMG has been given a 60-day window to complete its evaluation and present recommendations, reflecting what Mr. George described as the “urgency of the matter.”

While details of the potential merger are still being developed, the minister sought to allay concerns over job security at AT Ghana. “Approximately 300 staff of AT will maintain their employment,” he said, adding that he had personally met with staff to provide assurances. KPMG has also been tasked with assessing the future of 200 additional contract workers at the company.

The proposed merger, if approved, would mark a significant reshaping of Ghana’s telecom sector, potentially creating a stronger rival to MTN Ghana, the current market leader.

Source:TheDotNews