With its decision to disable unregistered SIM cards, the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the government have come under fire from the minority in parliament for allegedly violating the rights of Ghanaians.
The caucus claims that because of the NCA’s and the sector minister’s positions, the procedure of registering SIM cards could face a number of legal issues.
People who haven’t registered their SIM cards have been subject to restrictions this week.
“I can say without an iota of doubt that between yesterday and today, the country has been hot and awash with complaints that SIM cards have been blocked despite re-registration. With all intent and purposes, this will interfere with calls”, says A.B.A Fuseini, Ranking Member on Communications Committee.
A.B.A Fuseini requested an extension of the exercise until the end of the year and the use of other documents other than the Ghana card for the registration of SIM cards during a press briefing.
“Some of the measures promised by the NCA to help speed up the SIM registration process including the unveiling of the app have been late in coming. This will impact adversely on SIM card users.”
“The NDC minority members on the communications committee regard the denial of the rights to make calls and the denial to receive calls through unsolicited messaging systems as an unfair, unjust, and unwarranted breach of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of our people including the freedom of expression and freedom to enjoy and own property.” A.B.A Fuseini said.