The Ministry of Communications (MoC) has announced that SIM registration processes in the country will soon undergo streamlining.
This has been necessitated by a number of deficiencies with the existing SIM card registration regime.
In an official release, MoC called on all players within the SIM registration value chain to ensure strict compliance with the SIM registration and activation processes in line with the relevant statutory provisions.
Deficiencies identified with the process include the sale of pre-registered SIM cards, the use of preregistered SIM cards and, fraudulent registration of SIM cards and the usage of same.
These deficiencies facilitate criminal activities such as, mobile money fraud, illegal SIM swap, illegal termination of international traffic (SIM-Boxing) leading to loss of revenue to the state, as well as impersonation and cyber-crime.
Government is committed to formalizing the economy utilizing technology as part of the Digital Ghana Agenda (DGA) and ensuring the integrity of an integrated national database and systems, it stated.
This will build security, trust and confidence in the use of digital services, and help establish a fully functioning digital economy.
“While we partner the relevant institutions for the complete roll out of the National Identification cards for SIM registration, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has been directed to ensure strict compliance with the law and engage Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and all relevant stakeholders to address these deficiencies.”
MoC assured the general public that it is committed to building a strong, secure and resilient communications industry for the benefit of all Citizens.
In that regard, the MoC is expected to ensure the full implementation of all laws on the acquisition and registration of SIM cards.
“We are therefore encouraging all subscribers to verify the current status of their SIM registration by dialing *400# Toll-free on any network.”
By Joshua W. Amlanu
