GT Management, Workers Welcome Vodafone

Management and Workers of Ghana Telecom have welcomed with a big applause the ratification of GT/Vodafone deal by Parliament.

Scores of workers of the telecommunication company commended Parliament for the quick approval of the transaction which would see GT being recapitalized, putting it in a position to compete strongly with the other mobile service providers.

After a headcount of 124 to 74 in favour of the deal, Parliament last Thursday approved the GT-Vodafone transaction which would see the British telecoms giant acquiring 70 percent shares of Ghana Telecom for $900 million.

The British telecommunication company intends investing $100 million annually to bring back the firm at the forefront of the telecom market in Ghana.

Dickson Oduro Nyanin, present Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GT told some journalists after seeing the approval of the deal by the House that the presence of Vodafone would now put back GT on track to roll out more enhanced services as well as launch into some exciting programmes.

“We know that Vodafone has the clout to turn things around and position us strategically in business in respect of the investments they are bringing”.

With regard to staff entrenchment, the CEO reiterated that the workers were not perturbed about losing their jobs since they believed adequate severance package would be made available to those who would be affected.

Ekow Badu, Marketing Manager for GT Onetouch, in an interview with CITI FM explained that at long last Vodafone was in to put smiles on the faces of workers who had been yearning for the conclusion of the deal.

He added that the company would definitely be a force to reckon with within Vodafone brand.

William Agyei, Chief Manager, GT Onetouch and Leader of the Concerned Workers, noted that at last the deal which was in the good interest of Ghanaians had been concluded.

It would be recalled that the concerned workers in a statement petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, indicating their unflinching support for the GT/Vodafone transaction.

“We are supporting Vodafone because they happen to have what it takes to turn GT around and make it competitive in the telecom industry,” they added.

Meanwhile the management of Vodafone has said it is committed to GT and will thus help transform the company.

Simon Gordon, Spokesperson of Vodafone said the UK firm would replicate its performance in the Ghanaian market.

By Charles Nixon Yeboah