The Government of Ghana is moving ahead with a strategic plan to merge two underperforming telecom operators, Telecel and AirtelTigo, in a bid to reshape the competitive landscape of the country’s telecommunications sector. This initiative is designed to consolidate resources, improve service delivery, and create a stronger second-tier competitor capable of challenging MTN Ghana’s overwhelming market dominance.
Telecel, which recently finalized its acquisition of Vodafone Ghana, is set to absorb AirtelTigo’s subscriber base of approximately 3.2 million users. Once the merger is complete, the unified entity is projected to command around 26% of the national market share, based on the latest industry data. In stark contrast, MTN Ghana continues to dominate with a commanding 78.88% share as of April 2025.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George emphasized the urgency of the merger, citing AirtelTigo’s deteriorating financial health. The company has reportedly incurred losses exceeding $10 million over an eight-month period, raising concerns about its long-term viability. The merger is seen as a lifeline to stabilize operations and prevent further erosion of market share.
To facilitate the merger and support the growth of the new entity, the government has unveiled a $600 million investment plan spread over four years. This funding will be sourced through a combination of spectrum sales, targeted policy incentives, and contributions from private sector partners. The investment is expected to cover infrastructure upgrades, network integration, and operational restructuring.
This is not Ghana’s first attempt at telecom consolidation. In 2017, Airtel and Tigo merged to form AirtelTigo, but the venture struggled to gain traction. Despite initial promise, AirtelTigo’s market share plummeted from 25.82% in 2018 to just 7.89% by the end of 2024. Telecel, even after acquiring Vodafone Ghana, has yet to surpass the 20% market share threshold, underscoring the challenges faced by smaller operators.
AirtelTigo’s current B3 credit rating reflects its precarious financial position and high risk of default. The merger process will involve complex technical migration and workforce restructuring, with full integration targeted for completion by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, MTN Ghana continues to solidify its leadership position. The company has pledged a $1 billion investment to enhance its infrastructure and expand service offerings across the country. MTN also reported a 39.9% revenue increase in the first half of 2025, reinforcing its dominance and financial strength.
While the merger between Telecel and AirtelTigo holds promise for operational efficiency and could introduce more competitive pricing, analysts remain cautious about its potential to significantly disrupt MTN’s entrenched market position. The success of the merger will depend heavily on execution, innovation, and sustained investment.
