<<Print>>

The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has been able to become the first country in the world to acquire a self-service application on the Google Play Store for the smooth running of the ongoing SIM Card re-registration process.

The first of its kind became necessary to be made available for the Ghanaian populace due to the few challenges coupled the government directive to get all SIM cards re-registered again to enable the country to be placed on better scale with respect to international records of fraudulent activities, among others.

The user-friendly App designed by expects is to help create a conducive atmosphere and enable the public re-register their SIM cards in the comfort of their homes without having to cue in any network provider’s office.

This adds to the many success stories chalked by the government in the digitalization agenda which has received praise from International IT Experts like the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ad Dynamo Sean Riley.

The new development comes as joy to the numerous Ghanaian communication network subscribers who are yet to go through the re-registration process.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) in a statement said the App - GH SIM SELF REG is “intended for subscribers who have done Stage 1 of their SIM card registration to complete Stage 2.”

The statement added, “The App provides another means for telecom subscribers to complete their SIM Card Registration using the Ghana Card; subscribers who prefer to physically go to their Service Provider’s registration points to complete Stage 2 can still do so. The benefits of the Application include providing convenience for subscribers as they can register in the comfort of their homes, offices or other convenient locations.”

It went further to explain into details that, the App not available for Apple users is not out of negligence but rather sincere challenges that comes up with matters concerning App development, adding that, steps are taken to address the situation.

“The App will be available on the Apple Store soon’’ the statement revealed.

Significance

The government has explained over the period that SIM registration is intended to reduce fraudulent and criminal activities facilitated by mobile phones or SIM-enabled devices by helping the authorities to ascertain real numbers valid and accurate SIMs on mobile networks.

Madam Ursula has stated that it would also enable operators to build better demographics of their customers and develop products and services to suit various groupings while allowing the NCA to have a more accurate and credible database to regulate the industry better to enhance economic growth.

The Minister has insisted that despite the challenges and certain hiccups the re-registration exercise has suffered, the intended positive objective behind the directive should be the focus while genuine solutions are taken to address issues as and when they pop up just like the introduction of the App has been done as a solution to the many issues raised.

She explained that the exercise is of a critical national interest, which should be supported by all adding that, it would help law enforcement agencies to identify SIM card owners, track criminals who use phones for illegal activities, curb phone theft, hate text messaging, mobile fraud activities, SIM Box fraud, among several other issues confronting the country’s security.

“It will minimize mobile money fraud, promote cybersecurity and support financial inclusion. A credible and reliable SIM register will also serve as a database, giving comprehensive statistics regarding the number of subscribers in the country and provide a resource for tracking fraudsters and criminals” she stated.