MTN Ghana CEO Assures Mobile Money Safety for Subscribers Amid SIM Card Re-Registration
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh, has provided assurance that mobile phone subscribers who fail to re-register their SIM cards and face potential disconnection will not lose access to their mobile money (momo) accounts.
Adadevoh emphasized that affected subscribers would receive instructions on the necessary steps to retrieve their funds.
With the SIM card re-registration exercise set to conclude on May 31, 2023, Adadevoh explained to Joy Business that customers with deactivated SIM cards would have their accounts declared dormant but could access their funds at any time using the appropriate identification.
He highlighted provisions in the Payment System and Services Act that outline how unused funds should be treated as dormant, assuring customers they could redeem their money later by following the required processes.
While the National Communications Authority (NCA) and Ministry of Communications have yet to provide specific details, some subscribers believe their mobile money wallets will remain secure as long as there is a record of funds in their accounts.
Deadline extended several times
Ministry of Communications Extends SIM Card Registration Multiple Times to Accommodate Ghana Card Delays
The process of SIM card registration has witnessed several extensions by the Ministry of Communications, responding to pleas for more time from subscribers who have not yet received their Ghana cards. Telcos have expressed concerns over logistical challenges and increased costs resulting from these postponements.
The extensions were aimed at providing an opportunity for subscribers to obtain their Ghana cards and complete the registration process. However, the delays in issuing the cards have led to difficulties in meeting the initial deadlines set for SIM card re-registration.
Telecommunication companies have raised issues regarding the logistical constraints they faced due to the successive postponements. These challenges have resulted in additional costs incurred during the registration exercise.
The Ministry of Communications has acknowledged the concerns raised by telcos and has continued to evaluate the situation, taking into account the delays in Ghana card distribution. The extensions provided have aimed to strike a balance between ensuring compliance with the registration requirements and addressing the practical challenges faced by both subscribers and telecommunication companies.
By granting these extensions, the Ministry intends to facilitate a smoother registration process for all subscribers and ensure that no one is unfairly penalized due to circumstances beyond their control.
After deadline
Ministry of Communications Sets Firm Deadline for SIM Card Re-registration
The Ministry of Communications has issued a stern warning that the deadline for the re-registration of SIM cards will not be extended any further. Subscribers who fail to re-register their SIMs before the deadline will face consequences, including the inability to make or receive calls and text messages. Telcos have been instructed to block all lines that have not undergone the re-registration process from accessing any services.
This decision comes after several extensions were granted to accommodate delays in the SIM card re-registration exercise. However, the Ministry has emphasized the need for subscribers to comply with the registration requirements within the given timeframe. Failure to do so will result in the deactivation of services for non-compliant SIM cards.
Telcos are obligated to implement the Ministry’s directive by blocking services for unregistered SIM cards. This measure aims to ensure the integrity of the registration process and maintain the security of mobile communication networks.
Subscribers are urged to take immediate action and complete the re-registration process before the deadline to avoid any disruption in their communication services. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of adhering to this requirement to enhance national security and protect the interests of both subscribers and telecommunication companies.
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