Unregistered SIMs: NCA to block voice and data services from September 5

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has disclosed that effective September 5, persons who have not registered their SIM cards will be barred from receiving certain services, including all outgoing voice calls and data services.

According to a communique issued by the Authority to telecommunications giants, the move forms part of punitive actions ahead of the SIM re-registration deadline which takes effect on September 30, 2022.

The NCA said the decision comes after it held extensive engagements with telecommunications companies and determined the measures to be implemented against persons who fail to register with SIM cards.

It however reiterated that persons who fail to register their SIM cards before the September 30 deadline will have their numbers blocked.

Meanwhile, Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful on Sunday July 31, announced an extension to the deadline for the SIM re-registration exercise to September 30, 2022.

Addressing journalists at a press conference, the minister said the extension had become necessary owing to the teething challenges for registrants who are yet to be issued or acquire their national identification cards.

Background

The SIM card registration exercise began on 31st October 2021 and was expected to end on 31st March 2022 but as of 17th March, over 14 million SIM cards had been linked to the Ghana Card with over 10 million Bio-Captures conducted and 99,445 new SIMs registered.

Due to a number of factors including the fact that over 7.5 million citizens and residents were yet to obtain Ghana Cards to enable them register their SIM cards, it was clear the deadline for completion of the registration of the remaining active SIM cards could not be met.

As a result, the ministry extended the deadline to July 31, 2022.

However reports from multiple media outlets including GhanaWeb indicate that as of Saturday, July 30, thousands have either not registered their Ghana Card or SIM cards.

This led to several calls on the government and the ministry to cause an extension to the July 31 deadline.