The Ghanaian government said last night it will renegotiate elements of Vodafone’s purchase of the country’s incumbent operator, Ghana Telecom, following an official review that alleged “irregularities” in the deal, reports the Financial Times. The government said in a statement that it had decided to “re-engage with [Vodafone] and ensure that there is compliance with the country’s laws.” The review had suggested that Vodafone’s use of a Dutch holding company to conduct the transaction might have rendered it unconstitutional. It also hopes to renegotiate the inclusion in the sale agreement of some telecoms infrastructure, the report says. However, a spokesman played down fears that the government would attempt to scrap the deal altogether. “The deal will not be abrogated,” said a spokesman for Ghana’s communications ministry. “The government will renegotiate instead of just bulldozing its way.”

UK-based Vodafone bought a 70 percent stake in Ghana Telecom, Ghana’s fixed-line incumbent operator and third-placed mobile player, for US$900 million last year. Vodafone bought the stake from the Ghanaian government, which continues to hold the minority 30 percent stake. However, the new government in Ghana (which took office in January) subsequently ordered a review claiming the sale was “fraught with irregularity.” Also under investigation is how much has actually been paid to the government; the review committee claimed the government had received only US$267 million of the sale price to date. The UK’s Serious Fraud Office on Tuesday said it had contacted Vodafone regarding the deal, though it has not launched an investigation. Vodafone has previously said it will not comment on the matter until it has seen the full report of the government committee that reviewed the deal.