Ghana Telecom in New Hands

21 February 2002

Ghana Telecom's monopoly over land based communications came to an end yesterday with the announcement by Felix Owusu-Adjapong, the Minister for Communications and Technology, that prospective operators could begin to apply for licences, and that the government would also listen to offers for its shareholding in GT itself. At the same time, it was announced that Malaysia Telekom's control over GT is to end, as the Technical and Consultancy Services Agreement will not be renewed, although a three month grace period was granted to ensure an effective handover.

In a press conference at the Ministry of Information yesterday, Mr. Owusu-Adjapong stated that, "exclusivity in Ghana is deemed to have come to an end as at the close of work on the 19th February 2002. This means that Government will encourage fair competition in the Telecom Sector." The announcement does not come as a huge surprise. Back in December, the Minister had criticized the structure of the set-up with TM, because it gave "absolute management control to the minority shareholder," and because TM "has not brought even a cent as working capital to Ghana Telecom."

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