The Ghanaian
government has introduced a fully digital SIM card re-registration system
designed to remove the need for citizens to queue at registration centers.
Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister, Samuel Nartey
George announced the new online platform during a working visit to Margins ID
Group, the technology company developing the registration solution.
The innovative
system allows citizens to complete their SIM registration remotely by linking
their mobile numbers to the national Ghana Card ID through a secure online
portal. Automated verification technology instantly confirms user identities
against the national database, replacing the manual verification processes that
caused delays during previous registration attempts.
Minister George
during interaction with member of the media stressed how this digital approach
solves key challenges from the 2021 registration exercise, which saw multiple
deadline extensions due to low participation rates. "We've listened to
citizen feedback about convenience and data security concerns," he stated.
"This new system delivers both efficiency and robust privacy
protections."
With
approximately five million active but unregistered SIM cards still in
circulation according to telecom regulator data, the June rollout aims to
achieve full compliance while maintaining service continuity. Network operators
have confirmed the system's integration with all major mobile providers in
Ghana.
The
Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Ministry views this digital
transformation as critical for both national security and telecom sector
regulation. By creating a reliable link between mobile numbers and verified
identities, authorities expect to significantly reduce crimes facilitated through
unregistered SIM cards while improving service delivery across the mobile
industry.
Margins ID
Group completed extensive testing to ensure the platform can handle mass
registrations without technical failures. The company's work builds on its
experience developing Ghana's national identification system, creating seamless
interoperability between the Ghana Card database and telecom operator
systems.
As the June
launch approaches, the government plans a nationwide awareness campaign to
educate citizens about the simplified registration process and its security
benefits. The initiative represents Ghana's latest step toward becoming a fully
digital society, following recent advancements in mobile money interoperability
and e-government services.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
