The new Mahama administration will re-register all SIM cards again, after the previous Akufo-Addo government took the nation through that exercise.
The Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, who announced this plan at his vetting on Thursday, January 30, 2025 justified that what was done in 2022 was at par with common sense and logic.
According to him, though all SIM cards have already been registered, it was important to undertake “a proper SIM re-registration” because the telecommunication companies “cannot truly verify” the owners of their SIM cards.
“The actions that happened under the last government were very at par with common sense and logic. We have a National Identification Authority that holds and sits as our national repository of biometric data.
“I think it was wickedness to the highest order to subject Ghanaians to long hours of queueing, taking away productive man hours and affecting our economy to go and queue again and resubmit biometrics simply because egos could not be managed,” he said.
He continued that, “We will do a proper SIM re-registration exercise again, but this time, nobody is going to queue. Because common sense will prevail, expertise will prevail and logic will work.”
Sam George, who has been the spokesperson for Communications and Digitalisation of the National Democratic Congress in the 8th Parliament, indicated that the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) hold a certain set of data and that technology would be used to cross-reference that against the NIA’s database and all biometric databases.
He further stated that it would be only in instances where there is a disparity that a customer would be required to visit an MNO shop.
Meanwhile, he said that exercise would come at no cost to the state, but the MNOs would foot the bill.
He explained that it was in their interest to support the government for that exercise to enable them to identify holders of their SIM cards.
“There will be a cost, but it will be borne by the MNOs. Because it serves the MNOs’ own purpose for them to be able to know who is holding their SIMs.
“Because if they can’t identify who is holding the SIMs they are liable to fines from the NCA. They would rather have us do a clean identity SIM register than to get fines,” he said.
WARNING
A concern was raised over the quality of service rendered by telecommunication companies in the country.
In his response, Sam George warned telecommunication companies to be alert, as he would not relent on exerting sanctions on those who fail to provide quality services to Ghanaians.
He assured the Appointments Committee that the government would support MNOs in improving their infrastructure.
He said, “I will not be a minister who will be afraid to impose a fine when MNOs fail to provide the quality services required, as well as support them in doing so.”
AI HUB
MrSam George, who is the MP for Ningo-Prampram, mentioned that his goal is to position Ghana as the leading hub for Artificial Intelligence in Africa by the end of 2028.
He indicated that his vision, which seeks to harness the potential of AI and digital transformation to propel Ghana to the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution, also aligns with the broader technological and economic aspirations of the Mahama government.
He said that his plan will involve a thorough review of the existing AI strategy, ensuring that it remains relevant, robust and adaptable to the fast-evolving technological landscape.
Meanwhile, the nominee, who is the lead proponent of the controversial anti-gay bill, which was passed by the 8th Parliament but was not assented to by President Akufo-Addo, said it would be reintroduced in this 9th Parliament.
