According to Ghanaian authorities, more than eight million unregistered Sim cards have been blocked in the country after their owners missed a final registration deadline. The disconnection of mobile lines means that their owners will no longer be able to make calls, access the internet, or use mobile money services.
According to Ghana’s Ministry of Communication and Digitisation and the National Communications Authority, mandatory Sim card registration is intended to aid in the fight against crimes such as fraud and to ensure digital security.
The process began in October of last year when the government issued a directive requiring people to register their mobile phone numbers. The first stage of registration involves mobile phone customers linking their Sim cards to the information on their national identity cards. Mobile phone service providers then collect their biometric data to complete the registration.
The deadline had been pushed back several times. The last date given was November 30th.
A significant proportion of Ghana’s 31 million population has yet to obtain a national identity card, making it difficult to register their Sim cards. According to the authorities, more than 20 million lines have been fully registered thus far. Individuals may register up to ten Sim cards with their national ID card.
