The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that Cabinet has approved a completely new nationwide SIM registration exercise following a review of the earlier process.
According to the minister, the previous registration exercise encountered several challenges that undermined its effectiveness. These included weak biometric verification systems, inconsistencies in the data collected and instances of registration fraud.
Mr George disclosed this during a high-level meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority (NCA). The discussions focused on plans for a new SIM registration exercise and strategies for rolling out 5G technology across the country.
He explained that the upcoming exercise will not be a continuation of the earlier programme but a complete restart designed to improve security, restore credibility and strengthen the integrity of the registration system.
New SIM Registration Framework
During the meeting, the minister outlined several key features of the new registration framework.
He stated that the National Communications Authority will act as the central repository for all SIM registration data to ensure better coordination and oversight.
Biometric verification will also be mandatory under the new system in order to enhance identity validation and reduce fraudulent registrations.
Mr George further revealed that government plans to introduce a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), a system that will allow telecom operators to block stolen or fraud-related mobile devices across all networks.
In addition, a revised Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is currently being prepared to provide the legal framework that will regulate the entire exercise.
Telecom operators who attended the meeting welcomed the initiative but raised concerns about possible operational challenges that may arise during implementation.
However, authorities have not yet announced when the new SIM registration exercise will begin or how the cost of implementing it will be shared among stakeholders.
The upcoming exercise will be the second nationwide SIM registration effort since the first one launched in 2021, which the current administration says faced several implementation difficulties.
Changes to Ghana’s 5G Rollout Plan
The meeting also addressed government’s policy direction on the deployment of 5G technology in Ghana.
Mr George disclosed that Cabinet has approved the removal of the exclusivity clause that existed under the previous wholesale 5G framework. The decision will allow for a new competitive spectrum auction process.
He explained that although the exclusivity clause has been removed, the wholesale model itself has not been cancelled. Instead, the revised approach will support a network-based rollout that allows multiple operators to participate while ensuring nationwide coverage.
A new spectrum auction for 5G services is expected to be conducted soon as part of the rollout plan.
Telecom operators, however, noted that deploying 5G technology will require significant financial investment. They highlighted the high cost involved in acquiring spectrum, upgrading networks and expanding infrastructure.
Industry players therefore called for fair spectrum pricing, clear policy direction and faster regulatory approvals to support the deployment process.
Next Steps
The meeting also reviewed broader reforms approved by Cabinet aimed at strengthening national security, improving telecom service quality and accelerating Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
Officials from the ministry, the NCA, the Telecoms Chamber and telecom operators agreed to continue structured technical engagements to refine the implementation strategy for both the SIM registration exercise and the 5G spectrum auction.
The immediate next steps include finalising the revised Legislative Instrument and publishing the documentation required for the upcoming spectrum auction.
