Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has disclosed that the planned SIM registration will be rolled out in the third quarter of 2026.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, Sam George revealed the exercise will be rolled out between July, August, and September in 2026.
The Communication Minister also urged Ghanaians to fully participate in the upcoming SIM card re-registration exercise.
Sam George, during the interview, stated, “It’s advisable for everybody to ensure that when we roll out the registration process, you take part in it. Bearing in mind that you took part in a system that traumatised people—people queued for days—but now you have a system that will allow you to do this in the comfort of your home. The process will be mandatory for the use of telecom services in the country”.
“I’m confident that in the third quarter of this year, anytime between July, August, and September, we will definitely be in a good position to roll out,” he said.
Sam George further announced that the planned SIM registration exercise will come at no cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer.
According to Sam George, the SIM registration exercise will not impose any financial burden on taxpayers.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, March 24, Sam George stated, “Part of the reason the Public Procurement Authority invited me to appear with my ministry is that we have written to the PPA and stated that this will be at no cost to the government.
“The commitment authorisation we received from the Finance Ministry for both the CERR and the SIM registration platform was to the effect that it will be at no cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer. When it is not borne by the taxpayer, you need to justify how it will be done,” he said.
“Engagement. We have engaged with the telecom companies and explained to them why they need to bear the cost,” he added.
Sam George further disclosed that the process would be competitive and not sole-sourced.
“We’re not sole-sourcing,” he added.
Meanwhile, Solomon Owusu, the Director of Communications for the United Party (UP), has quizzed the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, on what the consequences will be if the SIM registration fails to achieve its purpose.
According to Solomon Owusu, the registration under Ursula Owusu was undermined by ego and power struggles between the Ministry of Communications and the National Identification Authority (NIA).
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based TV3, Solomon Owusu stated, “What assurance is the minister giving to us that this time around? When he fails, what must the country do to him? Is he going to put his job on the line?
Is he saying that if he’s unable to, after the registration, there are still forces in the system, he must be sacked from office, or he must be in prison? Or what should happen? Because Ursula Owusu gave us the same assurance. Today, she’s chilling somewhere. Nobody is taking her on.”
Solomon Owusu argued that if telcos fail, they should be sanctioned, and if the minister fails to enforce the law, he should face consequences too.