Key points
- The Communication Ministry is facing significant debts and unfavorable contracts, leading to financial challenges.
- Minister George announced the discontinuation of the KelniGVG contract and steps to reduce reliance on external contractors.
- The One Million Coders Programme aims to boost digital skills in Ghana with a focus on inclusivity and economic growth.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, led by Samuel Nartey George, is grappling with significant debts and costly contracts, placing it in a difficult financial position.
In response, George announced plans to address these challenges, including auditing interventions and a review of current agreements.
Minister George announces measures to address financial issues
During a news conference in Accra, George disclosed that a comprehensive financial review of the ministry revealed numerous problems, including unfavorable contract terms and issues with accessing crucial information from service providers.
As part of the government’s efforts to address these concerns, George revealed that the ministry would discontinue the KelniGVG contract, which monitors international inbound traffic, once its current term ends.
“The state is paying far more to monitor the revenue than it retains,” George stated, highlighting the sharp increase in fees paid to KelniGVG. Fees jumped from 28 percent of revenue in 2018 to 84 percent in 2024, a situation George described as unsustainable.
He instructed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take over the revenue assurance platform to reduce reliance on external contractors.
Concerns about NITA and Smart Infraco contracts
The minister also raised concerns regarding agreements within the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), specifically payments made to Sawtel Ltd and Dataceum Ltd.
Despite not having direct contracts with NITA, these companies have been receiving monthly payments. The ministry is currently reviewing whether to continue working with these firms or find more cost-effective solutions.
Additionally, George addressed issues related to Smart Infraco (Lebara Ghana Ltd) and the Government Infrastructure Agreement. An audit revealed that NITA had been denied access to infrastructure it legally owns, including the Data Centre Facility and Network Operations Centre.
George stressed the need for immediate action, saying, “The ministry shall engage directly with Smart Infraco to ensure payment of outstanding amounts.”
Tackling AirtelTigo’s financial struggles
The minister also criticized the previous government’s acquisition of AirtelTigo, rebranded as AT, for $1, describing it as a “reckless” decision.
At the time of acquisition, the company had $400 million in debt. Although the company’s debt has since been reduced to $200 million, it continues to lose GH¢20 million monthly. George assured the public that negotiations with creditors are ongoing to ensure the company’s survival.
Launch of One Million Coders Programme
George also touched on the upcoming One Million Coders Programme, aimed at boosting digital skills in Ghana to drive economic growth.
The programme will be launched on April 16, 2025, in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, and Upper East regions, with a target of over 500 participants from Accra, Bolga, Sunyani, and Kumasi. The programme aims to be inclusive, with a 50/50 gender split, and will be implemented through public-private partnerships.
“We have mobilized resources to ensure the success of this programme. A standardised curriculum developed by the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT will be used to train participants at different skill levels,” George stated.
He further revealed that the ministry has signed an MOU with MTN Group and is finalizing agreements with other private Ghanaian and international partners.
