The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has raised serious concerns about the handling of data collected during the previous administration’s SIM registration exercise, revealing that the Ministry is currently unable to account for the data.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s New Day on April 11, the Minister stated emphatically that no information regarding the SIM registration data was included in the handing over notes he received upon assuming office.
When questioned about the location and status of the data, Sam George suggested that responsibility lies with the previous administration, pointing out that inquiries should be directed to his predecessor. He revealed that an internal audit is currently underway to trace and identify the whereabouts of the collected data.
“We’re still awaiting an audit to uncover the fate of that data. The handover notes to the NCA were incomplete. Several data collection apps were developed, and now we need to track down where all that information is stored,” he said.
He further clarified that the National Communications Authority (NCA), which was expected to be the custodian of the data, does not hold it, stressing that the NCA’s role is regulatory, not operational in data storage.
Sam George underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating that the Ministry, which oversees the Data Protection Commission, will take appropriate action to safeguard the interests of the public.
“The state will take action on this matter. It’s deeply concerning, given that this ministry is responsible for overseeing the Data Protection Commission,” he added.
The revelations raise significant questions about data management, oversight, and the broader implications for privacy and national security.
