The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has revealed that following the re-registration exercise which is slated for October 2021, a Ghanaian citizen can register ten (10) sim cards across all networks.
According to Madam Ursula, all Foreign nationals will also have access to three (3) sim cards across all networks.
Addressing Journalists in Accra on Sunday, she said “Individuals can register a total number of ten (10) sim cards across all networks and Foreigners will have a limit of three (3) across networks as well"
She further warned that people should not think that they can hide behind businesses and register many sim cards as they want.
The sector Minister also mentioned that all sim cards register in businesses will be linked to a shareholder or director of the business.
She cautioned that should a business sim card is to be found to have engaged in fraudulent activities, its shareholder or director will be held personally liable.
The Minister hinted that re-registration of sim cards will reduce or limit fraudulent/criminal activities in the country.
She also mentioned that the exercise will also help in providing accurate data for the National Communications Authority (NCA).
She said "When undertaken correctly, as we intend to do, it will reduce or limit fraudulent or criminal activities, help authorities ascertain the correct number of valid and accurate Sims on the networks. Enable operators to build better demographics of their customer base and help them develop products and services to suit the various groupings. NCA will also get more accurate data to regulate the industry even better.”
She added that the citizenry can pass through the process successfully once they are able to provide details on their Ghana Card.
It is emerging that the exercise which is slated for October, this year will last for six months.
"Citizens eligible to partake in this exercise are those above the age of 15 years. The decision to re-register SIM cards stems from the increased use of communication services since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic and to facilitate E-education, among others."
“Only the National ID card, the Ghana card, issued to an individual shall be used for registration of Sim cards of citizens, foreign residents in Ghana and foreigners staying in Ghana for more than 90 days”
Speaking on Foreign Nationals having access to a valid number, she said "In the case of foreigners staying in Ghana for less than 90 days, a valid passport or other travel documents will be required. Foreigners visiting Ghana can acquire a SIM card using the passport or travel card but they can only use the SIM card for 30 days after which it will be deactivated. Foreigners intending to use the SIM card for more than 30 days would have to obtain a non-citizen Ghana card to do so,”
The Minister seized the opportunity to war fraudsters not to dare partake in the exercise adding that such persons will be aired and dealt with drastically.
“Let me caution here that people should not think that they can hide behind businesses and register as many SIM cards as they want. All SIM cards registered to a business will be linked to a shareholder or director and if a business SIM card is found to have been engaged in fraudulent activity, that shareholder will be held personally liable,” she stated.
Thinknewsonline.com has further gathered that the sim registration will enhance economic growth as more confidence is built in the telecommunications sector and people utilize secured devices to access E-government services and other private mobile-based digital solutions.
“We encourage all Ghanaians and foreigners resident in Ghana to ensure that they have their Ghana cards and non-citizen Ghana cards ready. The government believes that having a SIM database and Central Equipment Identity Registration (CEIR) with integrity is a key step towards enhancing our digitalization. All subscribers are therefore encouraged to begin getting their national IDs in order to have a smooth and easy registration process.”
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Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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