Communications Minister Sam Nartey George has strongly criticized the previous government's SIM card registration exercise, calling it a complete failure that misled the public and wasted significant public funds.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on April 15, 2025, the Ningo Prampram MP revealed that he has already submitted some documents to the Attorney General and plans to provide more as investigations continue.

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“It is not re-registration. It is a registration,” he insisted. “You would be doing a re-registration if there were a registration in the first place. There was a sham. There was a hoax. There was a hoodwinking of Ghanaians—an unfortunate episode in the history of our country.”

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He accused the former administration of deceiving Ghanaians while ignoring important data protection and security guidelines. According to him, “It was irresponsible public governance, to put it lightly. Ghanaians were told they were registered. Meanwhile, no registration was happening.”

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The minister stressed that this issue cannot be overlooked, especially considering how much money was spent. “We spent resources—both private and public. MNOs probably spent over ¢25 million on this. Government definitely would have had skin in the game.”

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When asked why no one has been punished yet, Sam George explained that the process is still in its early stages but assured that action will be taken. “The Attorney General is responsible for holding everyone who holds public office accountable.”

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Sam George has revealed that some evidence has already been shared with the Attorney General, and more is being gathered to support the case.

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“We have sent some information to him, and we’re still building further evidence and sending it to the Attorney General,” he stated.

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He explained that his motivation comes from a deep sense of duty to the country and future generations.

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“I sit in this chair today mindful of the fact that tomorrow I won’t be here, and my actions and inactions will be held accountable.”

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Sam George also took aim at the previous officials who oversaw the SIM registration exercise, questioning both their judgment and patriotism.

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“When you look at the brazen nature of their reckless actions, it leaves you asking yourself—do these people love this country to start with?”

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He continued by challenging their understanding of leadership and national responsibility:

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“Do they understand what it means to be Ghanaian? Do they understand the weight of responsibility that sits on your shoulder when you hold the high office of Minister of State?”

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To him, the entire SIM card registration process under the former government was more than just a failure — it was a serious betrayal.

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“I cannot, for the life of me, imagine how, today, vested with this responsibility, I would act in such a reckless manner.”

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He added that the previous administration misinformed the public for two years, while breaching important laws related to data and national security.

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“…claiming that you were doing registration, taking the biometrics of citizens and not cross-managing them well, in flagrant disregard of our data protection laws and our service security laws.”

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Sam George ended by calling for public officials to show greater respect for Ghanaians.

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“People must have a certain modicum of respect for Ghanaians.”

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