The new Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nertey George, has revealed a shocking state of financial mismanagement and alleged corruption left by his predecessor, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) after the 2025 budget debate, Hon. George disclosed that the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has a mere GH¢25.8 in its bank account while owing a staggering GH¢813 million.
He accused the previous administration of signing a questionable contract diverting NITA’s revenue to a private company.
“In January, I was asked to approve a GH¢4 million payment to this private firm for using NITA’s infrastructure. I refused and referred the matter to the Attorney General,” he said, calling it a case of “state capture.”
The Minister also addressed mass layoffs, revealing he terminated nearly 100 Ghana Post staff hired after the December 7, 2024 elections.
“With 3,117 staff across agencies—600 recruited post-election—I won’t inherit such a mess. We’re streamlining for efficiency,” he stated.
On the Airtel-Tigo deal, Hon. George slammed the previous handlers as “enemies of the state,” citing a GH¢1.5 billion bill from American Tower Company (ATC) and a total debt of GH¢3.5 billion.
“If it was bought for $1, who pays this debt?” he questioned, referring to his predecessor who claimed the telecom company was purchased for just one dollar.
The Minister vowed to restore transparency, declaring, “I will clean up this Ministry for the Ghanaian people.”
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com