Telecommunications companies (telecos) in the country have begun blocking SIM cards of mobile subscribers yet to register their SIM cards.

The exercise is in compliance with a recent directive from the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization. The telcos are AirtelTigo, MTN, and Vodafone.

“On November 11, 2022, the Ministry announced some measures to be implemented by Operators. Since the 20th of November 2022 our members have been blocking data services for all subscribers who have only completed stage 1 (linkage to Ghana Card) but not stage 2 (biometric capture) of the SIM registration process, as directed by the Ministry”, a statement from the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications said.

“The chamber is encouraging all subscribers who have acquired Ghana cards but are yet to complete stage 2 (biometric capture) to do so before November 30, 2022,” it added.

According to the chamber, the telcos are obliged by the directive to completely deactivate all subscriber SIMs which have not completed the biometric capture registration step by the said date.

It however pointed out that customers of the networks are not barred from using voice, data, USSD, mobile money services and access to emergency services among others.

“Subscribers with Ghana cards can avoid this inconvenience by completing the registration process”.

The chamber stated that since the start of the SIM registration exercise, telcos have invested heavily in arrangements to ensure that subscribers who have their Ghana cards and are ready to register, get registered at any of the several touchpoints across the country.

“For those that require some special assistance to carry out the registration exercise, kindly contact the NCA or your Mobile Network Operator. We are confident that the sector Ministry and NCA will announce measures to accommodate individuals who genuinely do not have Ghana cards, once ongoing consultations have been completed. Our members remain committed to supporting the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that every customer in every part of the country is able to register their SIM card(s) with the Ghana card”.

The chamber also urged all subscribers to note that all network services for those who have done only the first stage registration will be deactivated on the 30th of November 2022.