In adherence to a directive issued by the National Communications Authority (NCA), telecom companies in Ghana have deactivated around 9 million unregistered SIM cards.

The Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, initially declared the start of the SIM card re-registration procedure on October 1, 2021.

Although the process was projected to be completed within six months, it encountered various difficulties, resulting in multiple deadline extensions.

Yesterday, May 31, marked the final deadline for SIM card re-registration, as announced by the Ministry of Communications.

Subscribers who have not completed the re-registration process will encounter restrictions that limit their access to vital services like phone calls.

Dr. Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, provided clarification on the matter, stating, "Approximately 9 million individuals who have not fully registered their SIM cards will face blockage."

Furthermore, in addition to the SIM card blockage, around 7.4 million subscribers who have not registered their SIMs will be unable to access their mobile money accounts.Dr. Ashigbey underscored that these affected subscribers would be unable to make or receive calls, send text messages, or use data services.

Nevertheless, he assured them that their funds stored on the SIM cards would be safeguarded by the network operators.

"For the 7.4 million subscribers who have over GHS200 million on their wallets, when they are barred, they will get the opportunity if they register, they will get their numbers back to have access to their monies and historical records backed," he stated.The deactivation of unregistered SIM cards seeks to improve security and prevent fraud, resulting in a safer and more dependable telecommunications network for all Ghanaian users.

Users are highly encouraged to re-register their SIM cards as soon as possible in order to regain full access to services and protect their mobile money accounts.