Ghanaian authorities have deactivated 6.1 million mobile SIM cards that have not been registered with the communication regulator, in a move to tackle fraudulent activities associated with the use of SIM cards in the country. The deactivated cards belonged to subscribers who had not completed the ongoing nationwide registration that began in October 2021, according to the National Communications Authority (NCA).
The NCA’s nationwide registration process is aimed at curbing fraudulent activities associated with the use of SIM cards in the country. It is part of the regulator’s efforts to ensure that all mobile phone users are registered with the authority, thus creating a reliable database of users. With the deactivation of unregistered SIM cards, the NCA hopes to improve security and protect mobile phone users from cybercrime and identity theft.
Joe Anokye, the director-general of the NCA, has announced that there are still approximately 11 million active but unregistered subscribers in Ghana, who will be deactivated from networks after the 31 May deadline. Anokye also disclosed that more than 25 million SIM cards have been fully registered across the country so far.
The deactivation of millions of SIM cards is likely to have a significant impact on mobile network operators (MNOs) in Ghana. With millions of subscribers being forced to re-register their SIM cards, MNOs will experience a significant reduction in revenue. This is because unregistered SIM cards often generate more revenue for MNOs as they are used for fraudulent activities such as mobile money fraud, spam calls, and text messages.
However, the deactivation is also an opportunity for MNOs to clean up their subscriber database and ensure that only legitimate users remain on their networks. In the long run, this could help to improve the quality of service provided to users and reduce incidents of fraudulent activities.
Deactivating millions of SIM cards could pose some challenges to the authorities and mobile network operators. For instance, some legitimate users may be unable to register their SIM cards due to technical difficulties, language barriers, or lack of proper identification documents. In addition, some users may be unwilling to register their SIM cards due to privacy concerns, mistrust of government agencies, or fear of being tracked. The authorities and MNOs will need to address these challenges and ensure that legitimate users are not disenfranchised in the process.
The deactivation of unregistered SIM cards is not unique to Ghana. Several other countries have implemented similar measures to combat fraudulent activities and improve the quality of service provided to users. For instance, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have all implemented SIM registration requirements, with varying degrees of success.
Critics argue that SIM registration requirements could be used to stifle freedom of expression, privacy, and other human rights. Therefore, it is important for governments and regulators to strike a balance between security concerns and user rights.
The registration process is part of a broader effort by the Ghanaian government to improve the country’s digital economy. The government has set a target of providing affordable and accessible broadband services to all citizens by 2024. The registration process will help to ensure that the government has accurate data on the number of mobile phone users in the country, which is crucial for planning and policymaking.
The deactivation of unregistered SIM cards is expected to enhance the government’s revenue collection efforts. Ghana has one of the highest mobile penetration rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 40 million active mobile phone subscribers. However, a significant proportion of these subscribers do not pay taxes or fees to the government. By ensuring that all mobile phone users are registered, the government will be able to collect taxes and fees more efficiently and boost its revenue.
