Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Ghana have begun blocking partially registered SIM Cards from accessing data services, according to the country’s National Communications Authority (NCA).
The action was taken in response to a directive issued by the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation to all MNOs to prevent SIM cards that had not been fully registered by November 20 from accessing data services.
In an interview with the Ghanaian Times, Mr Kwame Gyan, Deputy Director, Consumer and Corporate Affairs Division of the NCA, stated that the MNOs were undertaking the exercise in batches.
Although he could not confirm the number of SIMs blocked so far, Mr Gyan confirmed that the ministry expects the MNOs to “block all partially registered SIM Cards from accessing data services as per the directive.”
Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister of Communication and Digitalization, outlined the SIM registration process in a statement earlier this month, explaining that it was one of several steps being done to establish a secure and safe digital environment to safeguard consumers and companies.
