Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and Ningo Prampram lawmaker are trading words on social media over the acquisition of AirtelTigo by the government of Ghana.
The Ningo lawmaker has raised issues with the Communications minister’s claim that government purchased the telecommunication company for $1. He is demanding details on the sale price.
“I side with most Ghanaians who are requesting assurances that the fate of AirtelTigo will not be similar to most government parastatals, underpinned by negligence, inefficiency, and drastic financial meltdown. Quite clearly, the bedrock relevance of ICT to the transformation of Ghana’s economic development agenda cannot be over-emphasised as evident from the recent global epidemic,” he said in a statement last week.
Reacting to the claim on Facebook, the Communications Minister said the NDC lawmaker is peddling falsehood urging Ghanaians to probe his claim.
“Some people find it very difficult to believe we can negotiate good deals for government. I signed the AirtelTigo contract. We acquired it for just a dollar. Someone, an MP, says he heard me say we paid $25 million. A barefaced lie…. blatant untruth. Please ask Sam George where he heard that. Then Sit back and listen to long, English grammar and drama…. just keep your eyes on the ball. How much did we pay to acquire the company? 1 dollar, Simple!!”.
Also reacting to the Minister’s comment on Facebook, Mr George wrote: “Someone tell our Minister for Communications that grand posturing and arrogant clap backs would not stop us on the Parliamentary Committee of Communications and the good people of Ghana from demanding accountability from her.
“What does she take us for? That she bought AirtelTigo for $1? How much is the eyebrow pencil she uses to draw her eyebrows and she thinks she can insult our intelligence?
Madam, after basking in the fake fans of your social media followers, prepare to appear before the Committee and give us details of the transactions. We would not allow the already burdened taxpayers of our country to be saddled with poorly thought out decisions that impose more debt or hardship on us. Our eyes are fixed on the ball and I urge you to do same. No long talk”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5fm
