Mahama attributes SIM registration challenges to dispute between Ursula Owusu and NIA

President John Dramani Mahama has attributed the challenges that plagued Ghana’s previous SIM card registration exercise to disagreements between former Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and the National Identification Authority (NIA).

Speaking on the matter, the President noted that the lack of coordination between the two institutions disrupted the smooth implementation of the exercise, which relied heavily on integration between telecom operators and the national identification system. He explained that tensions between the parties made it difficult to properly align SIM registration with the national database.

According to President Mahama, the process required seamless cooperation to ensure accurate verification of mobile subscribers using biometric data. However, the reported friction created gaps in the system, undermining the overall effectiveness of the exercise.

He made the remarks while addressing concerns over the shortcomings of the previous SIM registration initiative. He indicated that the challenges prevented the system from fully achieving its objective of establishing a reliable and secure database of mobile users.

The President also used the opportunity to justify the government’s decision to introduce a new SIM registration exercise aimed at resolving the earlier difficulties. He stated that the new approach would focus on improved coordination between institutions and better data integration to ensure credibility and efficiency.

His comments have reignited discussions on the importance of collaboration among state agencies in implementing national digital programmes. Observers note that stronger institutional cooperation will be essential to the success of future initiatives involving identity verification and telecommunications regulation in Ghana.