We will do a proper SIM registration, but this time, nobody is going to queue

During his ministerial vetting on Thursday, 30th January, Member of Parliament and Minister Designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, voiced strong objections to using the Ghana Card as the primary tool for SIM card re-registration, labeling the current process a “fraud.” When asked to explain his reasoning, George simply stated, “Common sense is the reason why I said that.”

He went on to argue that the initial registration lacked both common sense and logic, pointing to the inefficiencies that plagued the process. George emphasized that the National Identification Authority (NIA) should be the central repository for primary data, and questioned the need for Ghanaians to endure long queues and waste productive hours simply to resubmit biometrics.

“It’s wickedness to make Ghanaians wait for hours in line, just because egos couldn’t be managed,” he added.

George suggested that the government must take a different approach to SIM card registration this time, with a focus on efficiency and respect for citizens’ time. “We will do a proper SIM registration, but this time, nobody is going to queue. Common sense will prevail, expertise will prevail, and logic will work,” he assured.

He outlined that mobile network operators (MNOs) hold key data, and technology will be leveraged to cross-check all information against the NIA’s database and other biometric records. Only when discrepancies are found will individuals be required to visit MNO shops for further verification.

“The MNOs can’t truly verify who is holding their SIM card. It’s in their best interest to get this right,” George concluded, making it clear that this revised approach would aim to eliminate unnecessary delays while ensuring the accuracy of data.

By: Linda Akite