Telecel Group Acquires Vodafone’s Operations In Ghana
Telecel Group Acquires Vodafone’s Operations In Ghana. Telecel Group has been granted approval for the transfer of the 70% majority shares in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Vodafone Ghana) held by Vodafone International Holdings B.V. to Telecel Group subject to concessions made by the Seller (Vodafone International Holdings) and representations made by the Buyer (Telecel Group) to the NCA.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana said in a statement, “It would be recalled that in January 2022, the NCA received an application from Vodafone Ghana for the transfer of 70% of its majority shares held by the Seller to the Buyer. In accordance with due process, the Authority evaluated the application on various criteria and engaged both Vodafone Ghana and the Buyer. The NCA concluded that the request did not meet the regulatory threshold for approval to be granted.”
Following the NCA’s decision, Telecel Group resubmitted a revised financial and technical proposal in December 2022 which demonstrated the needed capital investment to extend the deployment of 4G and launch innovative Fintech solutions. The NCA found that the revised proposal provided more clarity and certainty in terms of the funding required for the acquisition and the commitments from both Vodafone International Holdings and Telecel Group. In addition, Telecel Group has strengthened the overall governance and management team and made firm commitments towards meeting the regulatory requirements of the NCA.
“The NCA confirms that the revised proposal from the Buyer now meets the regulatory threshold and hence has granted a conditional approval for the transfer of shares to the Buyer including submission of strategies for employee retention. The NCA would like to assure the general public and all stakeholders that it would continue to work with Vodafone Ghana and the Buyer to complete all outstanding regulatory requirements to ensure a smooth transition as well as continuity of service delivery and improved choice for consumers and competition within the industry.” the NCA continued to say.
