Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has recently criticized the previous government’s SIM card re-registration exercise, describing it as a national fraud. He argued that the initiative lacked common sense, as it required Ghanaians to re-submit their biometric data despite the existence of the National Identification Authority (NIA), which already holds comprehensive biometric records. He referred to the exercise as “wickedness of the highest order,” emphasizing the unnecessary burden it placed on citizens, leading to long queues and wasted productive hours.
Minister George has announced plans for a new SIM re-registration process that will be more efficient and technology-driven. The proposed system aims to cross-reference data from telecommunications companies with the NIA’s database, minimizing the need for physical visits to mobile network operator offices. He assured that the new process would eliminate long queues and be more convenient for Ghanaians.
Additionally, Minister George revealed that the upcoming re-registration exercise would be fully funded by telecommunications operators, not taxpayers. He emphasized that the previous system had failed to effectively identify individuals behind SIM cards used for fraudulent activities, particularly in the mobile money sector. The new approach aims to address these shortcomings and enhance the security and reliability of telecommunications services in Ghana.
