The Chamber of Telecommunications has assured the public that all unregistered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards that have been deactivated can still be registered. The Chamber stated that data on the deactivated SIM cards would be restored once users completed the registration process using the Ghana Card and providing their biometric data to their mobile operators.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Chamber of Telecommunications, revealed that as of Thursday morning, at least three million unregistered SIM cards had been deactivated. He further disclosed that by May 31, 2023, the deadline for the SIM registration exercise, approximately nine million SIM cards had not been registered.
Dr. Ashigbey cautioned that an additional six million unregistered SIM cards could be deactivated in the coming days. He explained that users of deactivated SIM cards would be unable to make or receive calls, send or receive text messages, access internet services, or perform mobile money transactions. However, they would still be able to receive messages from their mobile operators and access the registration code for the SIM card by dialing *404#.
The Chamber of Telecommunications urged individuals to take advantage of the registration window and register their SIM cards promptly, as the National Communications Authority (NCA) may close the window without prior notice. The aim of the registration exercise is to identify and remove fraudsters from the system, ensuring the security and integrity of the telecommunications sector.
The SIM card registration campaign initially began on October 1, 2021, with a scheduled end date of March 31, 2022. However, due to challenges faced by some individuals in acquiring the Ghana Card, the NCA extended the deadline multiple times until May 31, 2023, which was communicated as the final deadline.
Dr. Ashigbey highlighted that approximately 7.4 million unregistered mobile money accounts, containing an estimated amount of GHc200 million, would also be deactivated. The funds in these blocked accounts would be held in a special account. Owners of restored mobile money accounts would need to undergo a process to have their funds restored in their wallets.
For those without a Ghana Card, Dr. Ashigbey advised them to visit the National Identification Authority to obtain the necessary card. Once they have the Ghana Card, they can dial the registration code provided and complete the registration process to regain access to their mobile number.