The Minister of Communications, Technology and Digital Innovations and Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Honourable Samuel Nartey George has explained that government’s decision to introduce a new biometric SIM registration exercise is aimed at strengthening security within Ghana’s telecommunications sector. He stated that the Electronic Communications Numbering Resource Registration Exercise would address weaknesses identified during the previous SIM registration process.
The Minister explained during parliamentary proceedings that the earlier exercise sought to connect all SIM cards to verified identities through biometric validation and checks against the National Identification Authority database. According to him, the absence of real time biometric verification during the previous process created gaps that affected the reliability of the national SIM register.
Honourable Nartey said some SIM cards were registered with false, stolen or unverifiable identities because the information collected was not fully matched with the NIA database. The Minister added that these weaknesses had contributed to challenges including SIM swap fraud, mobile money fraud, identity theft and the circulation of pre registered SIM cards.
“Every active number in Ghana must be linked to a verified and traceable identity. The new framework will strengthen protection for subscribers and improve national security.”
Honourable Samuel Nartey George
Furthermore, the Minister stated that the new registration system would introduce real time biometric authentication before any SIM card or numbering resource could be activated. He explained that the process would ensure that subscriber details are accurately verified before access to telecommunications services was granted.
Addressing the security measures under the proposed framework, Honourable Nartey mentioned that the introduction of electronic biometric verification, self registration options for physical SIM cards and eSIM services. He also highlighted plans for primary number authentication, remote SIM delinking, device verification through the Central Equipment Identity Register and stronger fraud prevention mechanisms.
The Communications Minister noted that the changes are necessary to build a more dependable telecommunications environment where subscribers could have greater protection against digital crimes. The system, according to him, would also support efforts to improve the management and security of Ghana’s national communications infrastructure.
Additionally, the Minister referenced the role of the National Identification Authority in supporting the upcoming exercise through improved registration capacity. He explained that the expansion of Ghana Card registration centres has created a stronger foundation for linking subscriber information with verified identities.
The proposed exercise, he said, is part of wider measures to modernise Ghana’s telecommunications registration system and improve confidence in digital services. Honourable Nartey stressed that the initiative has been designed to resolve weaknesses from the previous process while creating a more secure platform for future operations.
Digital Registration Platform To Reduce Queues And Improve Accessibility
The Ministry of Communications, Technology and Digital Innovations also outlined measures to make the new SIM registration exercise more convenient for subscribers across the country. The initiative will operate under a revised legal framework designed to support modern verification systems and improved digital security.
Honourable Samuel Nartey George told Parliament that the new Electronic Communications Numbering Resource Registration Regulations, 2026 would replace the existing Subscriber Identity Module Registration Regulations, 2011. He explained that the updated regulations are necessary to provide legal backing for the improved registration process.
The Minister further stated that Ghana’s identification infrastructure has developed significantly since the previous exercise, with the National Identification Authority expanding its registration network nationwide. He noted that the increased availability of Ghana Card registration services would support smoother verification during the new process.
According to him, the existing SIM registration platform could not support the advanced requirements of real time biometric verification, stronger cybersecurity measures and integration with other national systems. The proposed platform would therefore provide the technical capacity required for a more efficient registration exercise.
“The new approach is designed to reduce inconvenience for subscribers. Registration will move towards secure digital onboarding and biometric verification.”
Honourable Samuel Nartey George
Moreover, Honourable Nartey explained that the subscriber approach would allow many users to complete the process remotely through their smartphones. He said secure digital onboarding and biometric verification technologies would reduce the need for subscribers to spend long hours at registration centres.
For individuals who require physical assistance, the Minister stated that the National Communications Authority would introduce a scheduled appointment system for visits to subscriber care centres. He added that post offices and community information centres are being considered as additional locations to improve access.
In addition, the Ministry plans to deploy mobile registration teams to remote and underserved communities to ensure that eligible subscribers are included in the process. The Minister said the approach would help citizens in areas with limited access to registration facilities complete the exercise.
The Communications Minister also emphasised that the new system would focus on accessibility, efficiency and convenience while improving the credibility of Ghana’s subscriber database. He explained that the combination of remote registration, appointment systems and expanded centres would create a smoother experience for users.
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