Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Science and Technology, Sam George, has emphasized the need for stronger cybersecurity measures in Ghana. During his visit, he stated that the country must proactively address digital threats to safeguard national security and economic growth.
Responding to questions on how he intends to handle cyber threats, Sam George assured the committee that his ministry would prioritize cybersecurity policies. He stressed that with the rise in cybercrime, government agencies and businesses must be equipped with modern tools to combat digital threats effectively.
He criticized past government policies on SIM re-registration, calling them flawed. He insisted that the re-registration process should be reviewed to ensure efficiency without causing unnecessary inconvenience to Ghanaians. According to him, the current system has not adequately protected the digital identities of citizens.
5G and Internet Connectivity
Sam George acknowledged that while Ghana launched its 5G network, many rural areas still struggle with poor internet access. He assured the vetting committee that the government would not abandon 3G and 4G networks while rolling out 5G.
He emphasized that the government would address connectivity challenges. He said, “Chairman, following on your premise, the Honorable Member has just admitted the failings of the past government over the last eight years, but we would fix it. President Mahama is here to reset the country, and in resetting it, we’ll fix it. Fixing 3G, 4G, and ruling out 5G are not mutually exclusive.”
SIM Re-registration and Data Integration
Sam George criticized the previous government’s approach to SIM re-registration, calling it a waste of productive hours. He pledged a new system that eliminates long queues by integrating telco data with the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) biometric database. “We will do a proper re-registration again. But this time, nobody’s going to queue, because common sense will prevail, expertise will prevail, and logic will work. The MNOs hold a certain set of data.
We would use technology to cross-reference that against the NIA’s database and all biometric databases. And only instances where there are disparities would require you visit a Mobile Network Operators (MNO) shop,” he emphasized.
He assured Ghanaians that the re-registration process would not cost them money. “Unlike under the immediate past government where people had to pay to use an app, no Ghanaian will have to pay for this,” he explained.
