NCA denies blocking sale of Vodafone to Telecel

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has denied reports indicating that, it is blocking the sale of Vodafone Ghana to Telecel.

It follows widespread media reportage suggesting that the NCA is preventing the sale being spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization.

“The Authority wishes to state and clarify that the statement is false and should be disregarded as such”, the NCA said in a statement.

Explaining the issue further, the NCA said it received an application for the transfer of 70 percent majority shares in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited from Vodafone International Holdings B.V to the Telecel Group.

It thus evaluated, in accordance with due process, the application on various criteria and engaged both Vodafone and Telecel Group.

After a critical regulatory review and evaluation, the NCA concluded that the request did not meet the regulatory threshold for approval to be granted.

“Please note that, the NCA only endeavoured to ensure compliance with regulatory framework and international best practice”, the statement concluded.