The government has outlined the rationale behind a planned nationwide SIM card re-registration exercise, citing the need to correct weaknesses in the current database that have exposed citizens to identity fraud and wrongful implication in criminal cases.

Engaging stakeholders on the initiative, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, said the exercise is intended to establish a more accurate and secure system.

He disclosed that flaws in existing records have had serious consequences, with some individuals reportedly linked to crimes they did not commit due to identity cloning.

According to him, the push for a credible SIM register is being strongly backed by the Interior Ministry, noting that unreliable data has, in some cases, misled law enforcement agencies.

Mr George recounted instances where personal identification details were duplicated and used to register SIM cards for criminal purposes, resulting in innocent people being wrongly targeted by investigators.

He was quick to draw a distinction between the upcoming exercise and the previous registration drive, which faced criticism over procurement-related issues.

The minister stressed that the new approach is centred on safeguarding consumers and ensuring public confidence, rather than financial considerations.