The Minister of Communication, Hon Ursula Owusu Ekufful has disclosed that SIM cards that have been linked to Ghana Cards but are not done with the second phase of registration will be blocked from accessing data services on November 20 and completely deactivated on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

According to a statement issued and signed by the sector minister today, November 11, the government and the ministry embarked on the SIM registeration process because it wants to ensure a secure and safe digital ecosystem in the country.

“The priority of the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization has always been to ensure digital inclusion and provide a secure environment for Ghanaians to access digital services.”

“The exercise is not meant to make life difficult for subscribers, but to protect consumers and business.”
Ursula Owusu

She noted that an announcement will be made on measures to accommodate persons who do not have Ghana Cards to register their SIM cards. This is expected to take place after ongoing consultations have been completed.

According to her, a total of 30,011,082 SIM cards have been linked to Ghana Cards, thereby completing the first phase of the registration process. As of November 9, 2022; 20,892,970 subscribers had completed both the linkage and capture of their biometric data.

“One key reason why some of those who have linked phone numbers to Ghana Cards have been unable to complete the bio capture of stage two is because they used other people’s cards to link their numbers. This includes vendors who used the cards of others without the knowledge or consent of the card owners.”

“Their inability to complete phase two attests to the robustness of the authentication process designed into the SIM registration architecture. It will flush out all fakes. You cannot use someone else’s Ghana Card to register your SIM,” the Minister outlined.”
Ursula Owusu

Ursula stated that despite ample opportunity afforded all to complete the registration of their SIM cards, some who have the Ghana cards and have begun the process have failed to complete the registration. That is their choice and we cannot begrudge them.

The Minister further directed subscribers facing challenges in registering their SIM cards to contact the National Communications Authority (NCA) or their respective network operators for necessary assistance.

Other Consumer Protection Measures

Ministry announced that the maximum number of SIM CARDS that can be registered by an individual is 10 SIM CARDS.

The statement advised subscribers to check the number of SIMs registered to their Ghana Cards at the end of November when the facility will be activated.

“To ensure they retain the mandate number of SIM CARDS, any additional SIM registered above the mandate number of 10 SIMS will be deactivated.”
Ursula Owusu

She stated there has been a decline in SIM-related fraud since the commencement of the registration exercise. She further urged all MNOs to properly categorise registered corporate SIMs.

Hon Ekufful indicated that the process will flush out all fakes. She further noted said ‘You cannot use someone else’s Ghana card to register your sim’.