Ghana re-identifies its telecom subscribers, like Nigeria
May 20th 2021
The challenges surrounding digital technology are constantly growing in Africa, where the mobile phone is essential as the preferred interface for the greatest number of people. Securing trade via this tool is of great concern to the government.
The Minister of Communications and the Digital Economy, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, announced on Tuesday, May 18 a new operation to identify mobile phone subscribers. The operation which will be initiated in June to extend over six months will be carried out with the new biometric identity cards. “ At the end of the six-month period, any unregistered SIM card will be deactivated, ” the minister said.
“ For those whose SIM cards are already registered, all you need to do is verify your number and validate it with your card and with that you can go to the nearest service provider to start the process […] We are working currently developing a strategy for many people to identify as comfortable as possible and the details will be worked out in the coming weeks, ”said Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
Digital dependence is increasing in Ghana and the mobile phone is currently the main tool through which people access digital services. Securing the exchanges of populations therefore becomes essential. In West Africa, Nigeria was one of the first countries to perceive the urgency of strengthening the security of mobile connections. The country is finalizing the re-identification of its telecom subscribers initiated in December 2020.
According to Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, this new identification campaign will be different from others that left room for loopholes from which fraudsters have taken advantage. With a much more secure database, the fight against several threats, including identity theft, blackmail, threats to national security, etc., will be more effective.
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