Mahama Government To Conduct SIM Registration Again, Sam George Assures There Will Be No Queues

• Another SIM re-registration exercise is coming according to the Minister-nominee for Communications
• Sam George said the new process would be more efficient and technology-driven to avoid the long queues
• He also said technology would cross-reference the National Identification Authority's database

Samuel George, the Minister-nominee for Communications, Digitalisation, and Innovation, has announced plans to conduct a proper SIM re-registration exercise if approved for the role.

He emphasised that the new process would be more efficient and technology-driven to avoid the long queues that characterised the previous exercise.

Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee on January 30, George criticised the past approach, stating that a more logical and seamless process would be implemented.

“We will do a proper SIM re-registration again, and this time, there will be no queues because common sense will prevail, and we will use technology to do it.”

George explained that the new process would use technology to cross-reference the National Identification Authority's database and all biometric databases.

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This process would mean that it is only in instances where there is a major disparity that a visit to a telecomms office would be required.

George stressed that telcos cannot truly verify who is holding their SIM card.

The most recent registration was held on October 1, 2021, with people linking their Ghana Cards to their SIMs. SIMs that were not fully registered were expected to be blocked.

Other key points from Sam George's vetting

George's vetting lasted over five hours where he also addressed other issues relating to the telecommunications sector, and cyber security among others.

Among other things, he accused the Akufo-Addo administration of using the Significant Market Power (SMP) classification of MTN Ghana as a punitive tool rather than a corrective measure.

He also pledged to take a firm stance against Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that fail to meet service quality standards, warning that fines will be imposed when necessary.

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The Ningo-Prampram MP stressed the need for reliable telecommunications services and assured that regulatory measures, which could include financial penalties, would be strictly enforced to hold network providers accountable.

NCA slammed over high data prices

YEN.com.gh also previously reported that the National Communications Authority defended its management of the telecommunication sector amid concerns over data costs.

Protests online led to #DissolveNCAboard trending in July 2024. The authority also stated that data prices would decrease by the fourth quarter of 2024 but that did not happen.

At the time, it said the introduction of Next-Gen InfraCo's wholesale carrier-neutral open access network would likely decrease data prices and increase the efficiency of telecos.

Proofread by Bruce Douglas, senior copy editor at YEN.com.gh

Source: YEN.com.gh