'It was a hoax, a sham' – Sam George alleges SIM registration under NPP was ‘brazen fraud’

Communication Minister Sam Nartey George has criticized the previous government's SIM registration exercise. He called it a national fraud.

The Ningo Prapram MP said it wasted public and private resources. He also claimed it ignored the rights of Ghanaians.

“It is not re-registration. It is a registration,” he stated on Joy News' PM Express.

He added, “You would be doing a re-registration if there were a registration.” He described the previous effort as a sham and a hoax.

George expressed strong disapproval of how the exercise was managed. He labeled it “irresponsible public governance.”

He noted that Ghanaians were told they were registered, but no registration occurred.

When asked about accountability for the failed exercise, he assured that it is coming.

“Early days yet,” he said, emphasizing that the Attorney General will hold officials accountable.

George confirmed that steps have already been taken to address this issue.

“We have sent some information to him,” he explained, adding they are gathering more evidence.

The Minister highlighted the importance of leadership accountability. He contrasted his approach with what he called reckless behavior from his predecessors.

“I sit in this chair today mindful of tomorrow’s accountability,” he stated.

He questioned whether former leaders understood their responsibilities to Ghana.

“When you look at their reckless actions, do they love this country?” he asked.

He continued by asking if they grasped what it means to be Ghanaian and responsible in high office.

George expressed disbelief at the damage done between 2021 and 2023.

“I cannot imagine acting so recklessly while holding this responsibility,” he said.

He criticized the previous administration for mishandling citizens' biometrics over two years.

“They operated in flagrant disregard of our data protection laws,” he added.

The Minister's comments are a strong condemnation of the SIM registration campaign. His remarks raise concerns about data governance and political accountability in Ghana's digital efforts.