Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has announced a strategic plan aimed at eradicating the pervasive issue of mobile phone snatching in Ghana.

This crime, which involves criminals forcibly taking mobile devices from their owners, has been a persistent problem in areas such as Nima, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and Ashaiman. The stolen devices are often sold as second-hand products at low prices, perpetuating the cycle of theft and insecurity.

Addressing the media, Hon. Ursula Owusu outlined the ministry’s comprehensive approach to tackling this crime through advanced technological measures. She emphasized the importance of the SIM registration exercise, which was a precursor to more robust systems aimed at curbing phone snatching.

“We are in the process and I indicated at the time when we were doing the SIM registration that we will set up a central equipment identity as well which will collect the phone number, the IMEI number, and EMC.”
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation

Every mobile device has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which the network can recognize once the device is connected. This allows the network to monitor the device and send activation messages for certain products or apps.

The new system will leverage this unique identifier to disable stolen devices, rendering them unusable within the country.

In her address, Hon. Ursula Owusu also touched on the issue of high taxes on internet devices, which she identified as a barrier to widespread digital adoption.

The minister revealed that her ministry is working closely with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Finance Ministry to lower these taxes. “I think currently, there is a 30% tax on devices, which I think is too high,” Hon. Ursula Owusu remarked, indicating that reducing this tax could enhance access to internet-enabled devices.

Expanding 5G Services Across Ghana

This initiative comes on the heels of the Ghanaian government’s announcement of a partnership with seven industry players to establish a new shared infrastructure for delivering affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana. The partners include Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and two telecommunications companies, AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana.

The multiplayer partnership will support the National Government Infrastructure Company (NGIC) in deploying network infrastructure and associated services, which will enable communications service providers (CSPs) to offer enhanced digital services to both enterprise and consumer markets.

To facilitate this, Hon. Ursula Owusu revealed Tech Mahindra will build a Cloud Native Core Network powered by leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) platforms.

Hon. Ursula Owusu expressed her optimism about the transformative potential of these initiatives.

“The creation of a shared 5G Mobile Broadband Infrastructure is critical for delivering affordable, high-speed data access to the people of Ghana and help achieve our Digital Ghana vision.

“The creation of NGIC as a neutral, shared platform, accessible to all mobile network operators and tower companies, will help to expand 5G services rapidly across the country. We are inspired by India’s digital infrastructure and low-cost mobile data usage and keen to replicate it in Ghana.”
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation

NGIC’s strategy includes adopting India’s successful model of affordable handsets, digital platforms, and localized content and applications. This model has been highly effective in providing high-speed mobile data in India and is now set to be replicated across Africa, starting with Ghana.

With these innovative measures, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation is taking significant steps toward eradicating mobile phone snatching in Ghana. By leveraging advanced technology and reducing barriers to internet access, the ministry is not only addressing crime but also paving the way for a more connected and digitally inclusive society.

The collaboration with industry partners to roll out affordable 5G services further underscores Ghana’s commitment to becoming a leading digital nation in Africa.