Gov’t orders re-registration of all SIM cards

All owners of SIM cards will from January 2020 to June 2020 be required to undergo a re-registration exercise, the Communication Ministry has announced.

The directive from government is part of moves to fight sim card and mobile money fraud which has gained momentum over the past months.

Addressing the press on Monday, October 14, the Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful announced that persons who fail to have their Sim cards re-registered will have their numbers deactivated.

The Communications Minister added that the re-registration will help subscribers to be properly identified, help track criminals and clamp down on fake identity.

“The ministry has consulted all relevant stakeholders and hereby announces that from 1st January 2020, we will all be required to re-register our sim cards. Any SIM card which is not registered will be deactivated by June 2020.

“We entreat all citizens, residents, and visitors to cooperate with us to ensure the success of this exercise for our collective security.”

This directive from the communications Ministry comes months after Ghanaians expressed worry over the increasing cases of Mobile Money fraud in the country.

The issue is said to threaten the growth of the industry as well as affect financial inclusion.

Mobile money, which hitherto was a safe means of transacting business now seems to be an opportunity for scammers.

Some of the methods they use to include text messages and phone calls.