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No Queues Expected For June SIM Card Re- Registration in Ghana
The upcoming SIM card re-registration exercise in Ghana, is expected to be queue-free, thanks to a streamlined process designed to make registration more efficient and convenient for citizens.
The Minister for Communication, Samuel Nartey George (MP), announced this during his visit to Margins ID Group (Intelligent Card Production Systems) in Accra on Tuesday.
According to the Minister, citizens will register their SIM cards online, reducing the need for physical visits to registration centers. The system will automatically verify citizen information, reducing manual processing times.
This streamlined process will save citizens time and improve accuracy, making the registration experience more convenient. With the June launch approaching, citizens can look forward to a hassle-free SIM card registration experience.
Background of SIM Card Re-registration
The SIM card re-registration exercise began in 2021, with the government extending the deadline several times due to low registration rates. The exercise requires all SIM card holders to re-register their cards using their Ghana Card, the national identity document.
Previous Challenges
Low Registration Rates: Millions of active SIM cards remained unregistered, prompting the government to extend the deadline.
Data Security Concerns: Some Ghanaians raised concerns about data security and the potential for fraudulent registrations via the mobile app.
Government’s Objective
The government aims to:
Enhance National Security: Reduce fraudulent activities and crimes facilitated through unregistered SIM cards.
Improve Industry Regulation: Ensure accurate data on valid SIMs for better industry regulation.
The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has defended the conduct of the Minority in Parliament during Tuesday’s chaotic sitting, insisting their actions were to protect what they believe is a violation of parliamentary procedure.
Explaining the incident, he said the Minority was reacting to developments surrounding a letter which allegedly directed that a seat belonging to the MP for Kpandai be declared vacant despite an earlier ruling by the Speaker.
He argued that the Speaker’s ruling should stand unless overturned by a competent court, and described the sudden reversal as shocking and against parliamentary precedent.
Mr Ahmed said the Minority only attempted to make a statement to register their displeasure, but tensions rose when the Majority Leader insisted on responding instead of commenting, which he said was against the rules.
He also denied claims that Minority MPs crossed the aisle, stressing that they remained within their side and only sought the Speaker’s attention.
He further complained that during proceedings, the Mace—the symbol of authority in the House—was not present and Minority microphones were disconnected, making the process one-sided.
He said the caucus intends to continue pushing to ensure that the MP for Kpandai retains his seat, adding that their next steps will be strategic.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Mahama has stated that it is too early for anyone to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) despite recent controversies surrounding the institution.
He argued that the office remains an important part of Ghana’s fight against corruption.
He explained that government is strengthening anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the OSP, noting that the OSP is the only agency with the power to independently prosecute cases without going through the Attorney General.
President Mahama said many people distrust the Attorney General’s office because it is headed by a government minister, and some fear it may be slow to prosecute its own.
He believes an independent body like the OSP offers stronger accountability, regardless of who is involved.
He admitted that citizens want to see more prosecutions and visible results, but urged the public to give the OSP time.
He encouraged the office to speed up its investigations to show that it remains relevant in the fight against corruption.
By: Jacob Aggrey
