Accra: Tensions flared at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting when the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, clashed with PAC Chairperson and former Deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, during discussions on poor telecom service delivery in the country. A video of the heated exchange, sighted by GhanaWeb, started after Sam George defended government measures aimed at improving network services across the country while responding to concerns raised by committee members.
According to Ghana Web, the minister emphasized that the current administration has directed telecom companies to expand infrastructure to improve network quality. He noted that mobile network operators are making significant investments following policy directives introduced by the government. Sam George expressed that private businesses focus on profit, and these profits have been contributing to corporate taxes over the years.
The confrontation escalated when Osei-Asare attempted to interrupt Sam George, urging him to be concise and avoid politicizing the issue. The minister accused Osei-Asare of being unruly and stressed the need for mutual respect in the discussion. Osei-Asare countered by stating the seriousness of the situation and emphasized that the committee's intention was not to undermine anyone.
Sam George elaborated on the government's policy direction since January, highlighting the rollout of new sites by telecom companies like MTN and Telecel. He explained the technical and logistical processes involved in setting up new telecom sites, which require time for completion. The minister assured that improvements in the network would be evident once the equipment arrives and is implemented.