New SIM registration: Let’s guard against loopholes and possible kickbacks – Dep. Minority Whip warns
Speaking on Atumpan on AsaasePa 107.3MHz, Shaib alleged that the Minister's recent advocacy for a new registration exercise could be financially motivated and did not serve the genuine interests of Ghanaians
Deputy Minority Chief Whip and New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has accused Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George of pursuing a self-serving agenda in his renewed push for another round of SIM card registration.
Speaking on Atumpan on AsaasePa 107.3MHz, Shaib alleged that the Minister’s recent advocacy for a new registration exercise could be financially motivated and did not serve the genuine interests of Ghanaians.
“Sam George was among those who criticised the NPP’s SIM card re-registration,” Shaib noted. “His current push for another exercise is more about kickbacks than about safeguarding the interests of Ghanaians. And this is what we need to watch out for.”
“I questioned him this time round, and he told me the telcos will fund this new exercise. And I am sure the telcos will pass the cost on to the consumers. These are all settings,” he said, suggesting a deliberate arrangement that could lead to profiteering at the expense of ordinary citizens.
The allegation comes amid continued public frustration over the last nationwide SIM re-registration exercise, which was marked by long queues, technical challenges, and concerns over data privacy.
Assurance
Addressing the press in Accra on Wednesday (9 April), Sam George clarified that this will not be a SIM re-registration, but rather what he describes as a ‘proper’ registration process, aimed at ensuring a more efficient and accessible system for all Ghanaians.
“We will commence public sensitisation towards the impending SIM registration, and let’s be clear, I didn’t say a SIM re-registration. A proper SIM registration,” Sam George said.
“We are also introducing a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), and we believe we will roll this out on the first of July this year,” he noted.
The Minister assured that the new process would eliminate the long queues and time-consuming procedures that have plagued previous registration efforts.
“Let me be clear, there will be no long queues. Ghanaians will not have to leave their jobs and stand in line to register. That’s why I said it’s not a re-registration, it’s a registration – a first-time, proper registration of SIM cards,” he explained.
The registration process will be driven by technology, making it easier and more convenient for citizens.
Sam George emphasised that the process would be “human-centred but technology-driven,” to ensure that Ghanaians can register and verify their SIM cards from the comfort of their own homes.
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