The Minister of Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has assured Ghanaians that the government is taking deliberate steps to revive the struggling state-owned telecommunications company, AT, amid long-standing financial and operational challenges.
Describing AT as “a troubled company,” the Minister acknowledged that while the company faces serious problems, some dating back as far as 2009, it still boasts some of the most skilled professionals in the sector and has managed to stay afloat through difficult times.
“There are hard conversations to be had and tough decisions to be made, but we will take them,” he said. “We are committed to saving the company, protecting the jobs of 500 permanent staff, and supporting the livelihoods of over 10,000 others who depend on AT.”
He stressed that the ultimate goal is to ensure Ghanaians get value for money through improved customer service, noting that AT belongs wholly to the state.
“This is a 100% government-owned company it belongs to all of us. We must make it work for our own people,” he said. “I wasn’t appointed to lament I was appointed to fix the lamentations. And we will fix them.”
The Minister revealed that a number of proposals have already been submitted, and government is hopeful that within the next eight weeks, a clear roadmap will emerge to put AT back on strong economic footing.
Acknowledging the company’s significant debt burden, he confirmed that the Ministry has begun engaging with creditors to restructure what is owed an essential step if AT is to attract new investment.
“You can’t attract investment if you don’t deal with the debt,” he stated.
On the issue of Spectrum, the Minister explained that the resource is not handed out freely.
“When Spectrum is allocated, companies are given 30 days to pay. I don’t know if AT, in its current form, can meet that requirement. But we are also conducting a Spectrum rationalization to ensure better use and commercial value.”
He said the government is exploring a range of policy and structural options including technical management support to stabilize AT.
“I’ve received three proposals already from external companies interested in investing in AT. But this time, we’ll be cautious and ensure that any commitments made are fully enforced,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that the government’s immediate focus is to restore the company, protect jobs, and deliver better service to the Ghanaian people.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Melissa Addison
