Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful says there has been a decline in SIM-related fraud since the commencement of the registration exercise.

According to her, this is a clear testimony of government’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure digital ecosystem in the country as well as protect consumers and businesses.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 11, to announce updates on the SIM card registration exercise, she noted that the Ministry’s priority has always been to ensure digital inclusion and to provide a secure environment for Ghanaians to access digital services.

“ICT should be accessible to all without any risk and the SIM registration exercise will solve a lot of issues in the industry.”

“We can attest to the fact that there has been a noticeable decline in SIM-related fraud since the commencement of the registration exercise,” she stated.

The Minister, however, disclosed that effective November 20, all SIM cards that have not been completely registered would be blocked from accessing data services.

Ultimately, any SIM card that has been linked to the Ghana Card but not done in the second phase of the registration exercise will be completely deactivated on November 30, 2022.

“A further announcement will be made shortly on measures to accommodate those who genuinely do not have the Ghana Cards, once the ongoing consultations have been completed.”

“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 statement added.

Maximum SIM cards to register

An individual can register a maximum of 10 SIM cards using the Ghana Card.

“All citizens and residents are hereby advised to check the number of SIMs registered to their Ghana Card at the end of November when the facility will be activated. All MNOs must also properly categorise registered corporate SIMs.”

“To ensure that they retain the mandates number of SIM cards, any additional SIM registered above the mandated number of 10 will be deactivated.”

The government says it is working to provide an enabling environment for all to access and use digital platforms by fostering the development of technologies, including SIM-enabled ones.

“I urge all to support this registration initiative and cooperate with the authorities to ensure its success for our collective good,” Ursula Owusu-Ekuful pleaded.