Ursula Owusu-Ekuful
Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has debunked claims that the Government of Ghana intends to sell the nation’s stake in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited.
According to the minister, the government has no such plans to dispose of its 30% shareholding in Ghana Telecom. She was responding to questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) on the House floor yesterday.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful indicated that Vodafone Ghana, which owns 70%, transferred its stake to the Telecel Group in February 2023. The NDC MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who asked the minister about the possible sale of the country’s stake in Ghana Telecom, also wanted to find out if Ghana agreed to the Vodafone-Telecel deal.
In response, the minister stated that under the terms of the agreement, the Government of Ghana was not obligated to give consent to the sale of Vodafone Ghana’s interest to Telecel. She pledged to make available to Parliament a copy of the shareholder agreement between Vodafone Ghana and Telecel Group, noting, “Mr. Speaker, will make that available as soon as practicable.”
Digital Migration
Meanwhile, the minister has told Parliament that the government has spent a total of $151,901,039.44 on the digital migration process.
She stated that this sum comprises the development of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) networks, solar power installations, operations and maintenance, and consultancy services.
She added that the government is unable to continue bearing the cost of operating and maintaining the network, having already spent $62,002,646.60 on maintenance and operation.
The minister said this in response to a question by Abed-Nego Azumah Bandim, NDC MP for Bunkpurugu.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House