Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Samuel Nartey George has said the acquisition of AirtelTigo by Government of Ghana can be turned around to enhance healthy competition in the ICT industry to the ultimate benefit of Ghanaians.
According to him however, the circumstances leading to the actions emanating thereafter and the plan of action for a quick revamp of AirtelTigo has been confusing, shrouded in secrecy and sometimes contradictory.
In a statement on Thursday, April 22, 2021, the Ningo-Prampram lawmaker noted that, the development is rather unfortunate as Ghanaians expect transparency in such a major development that has economic and financial implications for the people of Ghana.
He has indicated to Leadership of the Committee of his intention as a matter of urgency for an emergency meeting between the Committee and the sector Ministry to get a thorough and detailed briefing on the modalities of the, “alleged purchase, the economic state of AirtelTigo, issues regarding the state of welfare of Ghanaian workers, and to understand the intention of the Ministry with regard to long term plans of the company”.
Again, this call is in line with Article 103 (3) of the 1992 constitution; “Committee of Parliament shall be charged with such functions, including the investigation and inquiry into the activities and administration of ministries and department as parliament may determine, and such investigation and inquire may extend to proposals for legislation”.
He further noted in his statement that, he sides with Ghanaians who are requesting for assurance that the fate of AirtelTigo would not be similar to most government parastatals, underpinned by negligence, inefficiency and drastic financial meltdown.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com