Mobile Network Operators to Cover Costs of New SIM Re-Registration Exercise – Sam George
The Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has announced that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) will bear the financial responsibility for the upcoming SIM re-registration exercise proposed by the Mahama administration. This revelation came during his vetting by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
George, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, assured that the new re-registration process would be more efficient and user-friendly compared to previous efforts. He emphasized that the exercise would eliminate the challenges and frustrations experienced by citizens during the last registration drive.
“We will conduct a proper SIM re-registration this time, ensuring that no one has to endure unnecessary stress,” George stated. “The cost of this exercise will be fully covered by the Mobile Network Operators.”
The previous SIM re-registration initiative, carried out under the Akufo-Addo administration in 2022, aimed to link SIM cards to the Ghana Card, the national identification document. While the exercise saw significant progress, it was not without its challenges. Former Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, acknowledged in October 2022 that nearly 10 million individuals who had completed the first stage of registration had yet to finalize the second stage.
Despite these hurdles, the government highlighted the successes of the 2022 exercise, noting that over 28 million SIM cards had been linked to Ghana Cards, representing 67.28% of the total SIM cards issued nationwide. Additionally, approximately 18.9 million SIM cards had been fully registered, accounting for 44.28% of the total issued cards.
Owusu-Ekuful had previously emphasized the importance of the SIM registration initiative, stating that it was designed to enhance national security, combat fraud, and support Ghana’s digital transformation agenda. She also reassured citizens that the government’s goal was not to inconvenience them but to create a safer digital environment.
As the Mahama administration prepares to launch a new SIM re-registration drive, the focus will be on streamlining the process and ensuring broader participation. With the financial burden shifted to MNOs, the government aims to achieve a more comprehensive and seamless registration experience for all mobile users in the country.
The upcoming exercise is expected to build on the achievements of the 2022 initiative while addressing its shortcomings, ultimately contributing to a more secure and digitally inclusive Ghana.
