Accra: The Government has announced the launch of a new SIM card registration and central equipment identification register set to begin on July 1, 2025. This initiative aims to address the issues identified in the previous registration process conducted under the New Patriotic Party administration.
According to Ghana News Agency, the previous registration process faced challenges such as the failure to match registrants' biometric data with their SIM cards and the lack of backend verification. These shortcomings enabled individuals to register multiple SIM cards for fraudulent activities without being traceable. Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, highlighted these issues during a news conference in Accra.
The Minister emphasized that the upcoming SIM registration exercise would be driven by technology, eliminating the hassle and long queues previously experienced at mobile network operators' offices. Public sensitization and education campaigns will be launched to prepare citizens for the registration and the Central Equipment Identity Register. This new process is seen as crucial for national security.
Additionally, Mr. George announced plans to pilot a digital skills training initiative for the Ghanaian youth, aiming to create job opportunities. President John Dramani Mahama will launch the 'One Million Coders Programme' on April 16 at the Kofi Annan Centre for Excellence in ICT, Accra. The pilot phase will target regions including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, and Upper East, with over 500 participants expected at the launch.
The programme is designed with an integrated 50/50 gender split to promote inclusivity. Mr. George reiterated President Mahama's vision to establish Ghana as Africa's leading digital talent hub, noting the strong interest and support from the private sector as evidence of the President's visionary leadership. The Minister expressed confidence that private partnerships would help position Ghana as a net exporter of critical digital skills in the near future.
