According to Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the ministry has consulted all relevant stakeholders on the move and that the exercise will commence on January 1.

She warned that any Ghana SIM card which is not registered would be deactivated by June 2020, giving a six-month time frame for this exercise.

She has, therefore, entreated all citizens, residents and visitors to cooperate to ensure the success of the re-registration exercise.

Ghana enacted the SIM Registration Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2006) primarily to reduce mobile phone related crimes such as prank calls, cybercrime, and mobile money fraud, among others.

It is also intended to help law enforcement agencies to identify SIM card owners, track criminals who use phones for illegal activities, curb incidents such as phone theft, hate text messages, mobile fraud activities, and inciting violence and to combat crimes such as SIM Box fraud.

In Ghana, there are several mobile network operators that provide SIM cards and telecommunication services. Some of the major players in the Ghanaian telecom market include:

1. MTN Ghana: MTN is the largest mobile network operator in Ghana, with over 20 million subscribers. MTN offers a wide range of services, including voice and data plans, mobile money, and value-added services. MTN SIM cards are widely available across the country, and prices vary depending on the package and promotion.
2. Vodafone Ghana: Vodafone Ghana is another major player in the Ghanaian telecom market, with over 10 million subscribers. Vodafone offers a range of services, including voice and data plans, mobile money, and value-added services. Vodafone SIM cards are also widely available across the country, and prices vary depending on the package and promotion.
3. AirtelTigo: AirtelTigo is a joint venture between Airtel and Tigo, and is the third-largest mobile network operator in Ghana, with over 8 million subscribers. AirtelTigo offers a range of services, including voice and data plans, mobile money, and value-added services. AirtelTigo SIM cards are available across the country, and prices vary depending on the package and promotion.
4. Glo Ghana: Glo Ghana is a subsidiary of Globacom Limited, a Nigerian multinational telecom company. Glo Ghana offers a range of services, including voice and data plans, mobile money, and value-added services. Glo Ghana SIM cards are also available across the country, and prices vary depending on the package and promotion.

SIM card prices in Ghana vary depending on the network operator and the package you choose. Generally, prices range from GHS 1 to GHS 20 (approximately USD 0.17 to USD 3.50). To buy a SIM card in Ghana, you need to provide a valid ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and, in some cases, proof of address. You can buy a SIM card at a mobile network operator’s store or authorized dealer, or at many other retail outlets across the country.

Overall, the telecom market in Ghana is competitive, with several major players offering a range of services to customers across the country.