The Minority in Parliament has hinted that the next National Democratic Congress government will conduct another SIM re-registration exercise.
This was disclosed by Samuel Nartey George, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications Committee of Parliament during a media briefing in Parliament.
The NCA began re-registration of SIM cards in October 2021, across the country to develop and build a SIM database with integrity which will assist in curbing fraudulent activities.
Under the current initiative, Ghanaians were instructed to re-register their SIM cards using their Ghana Cards. Those who failed to comply with the directive had their SIM cards deactivated after the final deadline of May 31, 2023.
However, the Ningo Prampram MP has expressed concerns about the current re-registration process and highlighted the intention of the NDC government to conduct a comprehensive SIM re-registration exercise in the future.
“It is not true that they are using this to fight crime, because the Ghana Card fundamentally is flawed. That is why we have served notice that the next NDC government will do a proper re-registration of SIM Cards which will not involve you having to go and queue in telecom offices, but we will do a proper re-registration of SIM Cards.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced a collaboration between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the Bank of Ghana to address the issue of individuals being unable to access funds in their mobile money accounts.
Many subscribers have expressed concerns after their SIM cards were deactivated due to failure in re-registering them.
During a parliamentary session on Thursday, June 8, the minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful provided an update on the SIM re-registration exercise and assured affected subscribers that although they cannot engage in mobile-related transactions with their deactivated SIMs, their funds will be recovered through established procedures.
While urging the National Identification Authority (NIA) to assist individuals in obtaining their Ghana Card, the Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by subscribers in accessing their mobile money wallets.
She emphasized that these subscribers, despite being unable to conduct mobile transactions, will be able to retrieve their funds with the cooperation of the Bank of Ghana. This can be accomplished by presenting a valid identification document and following the necessary processes.
"We continue to encourage the National Identification Authority (NIA) to assist people to acquire their Ghana Card. We have also been made aware of the difficulties facing subscribers in accessing their funds on their mobile money wallets," he said.
"These subscribers will not be able to transact mobile money related activities, however, we are working with the Bank of Ghana to ensure that these subscribers are able to retrieve funds upon the presentation of a valid ID and going through the required processes".