Ghana begins sanction on unregistered SIM cards

Ghana's National Communications Authority recently announced its decision to bar outgoing calls and data services for two days a week for individuals who have not re-registered their SIM cards. This move has sparked various reactions and discussions among the public and experts in the country. Courage Boti, an Economist with GCB Capital, shared insights on the development during a CNBC Africa interview. Boti emphasized the importance of data synchronization and the need to combat fraud by bringing individuals into the formal sector. He highlighted that while similar restrictions have been imposed in the past, the current initiative aims to update the existing database with valid information, particularly the Ghana Card. However, Boti pointed out several challenges in the implementation of this policy. One major hurdle is the requirement of the Ghana Card, which not all citizens possess despite the national registration campaign. Additionally, the repeated extensions of the deadline have not significantly increased participation rates, indicating underlying issues with the registration process and public willingness to comply. Furthermore, Boti addressed the issue of sensitization efforts leading up to the deadlines for re-registration. While a surge in registrations was observed as the deadline approached, the numbers dwindled shortly after. Boti acknowledged that the imposed restrictions might not be severe enough to compel individuals to register promptly, as some services can still be accessed with the blocked SIM cards. He noted that some people may be deterred from registering due to financial constraints or other motivations. Boti also recognized the limitations of punitive measures, as individuals may find ways to bypass the restrictions. The ongoing debate surrounding the SIM card re-registration process in Ghana underscores the complexities and challenges associated with implementing such policies. As the government seeks to enhance data accuracy and security, it faces resistance from segments of the population who are reluctant to comply. Moving forward, a balance between enforcement measures and public engagement will be crucial in achieving widespread compliance and ensuring the effectiveness of the re-registration initiative.