The Minister of Communications, Technology and Digital Innovations and Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Honourable Samuel Nartey George has disclosed that an audit conducted by the National Communications Authority (NCA) found no successful biometric verification among sampled SIM registrations. He indicated that the findings showed a gap between the intended security measures and the actual registration process used previously.
Addressing Parliament during proceedings on the SIM card re-registration exercise, Honourable Nartey explained that the NCA carried out a sample audit involving more than two million subscriber registrations. According to the Minister, the outcome of the assessment provided evidence that the earlier process relied on information linked to Ghana Card biodata instead of biometric records.
“There was not even a single one of the two million that was a biometrically verified entry. Biometric verification: 0%.”
Honourable Samuel Nartey George
The Minister explained that biometric information and biodata serve different purposes within identity management systems. He noted that while biodata contains details printed on identification documents, biometric information involves unique features such as fingerprints and facial recognition.
Furthermore, Honourable Nartey argued that the distinction between the two forms of identification remains important for protecting the integrity of the SIM registration database. He said information printed on physical cards could be altered, creating situations where details attached to SIM cards may not accurately represent the actual identity of users.
The Communications Minister cited instances where some Ghana Cards linked to SIM cards contained correct names with inaccurate dates of birth. He explained that such challenges demonstrated the need for a system that depends on biometric verification to improve reliability.
From his perspective, the use of biometric records would provide stronger safeguards because personal biological features cannot easily be replicated or changed. The Minister added that the current registration exercise seeks to establish a stronger connection between subscriber information and the National Identification Authority’s biometric database.
Additionally, Honourable Nartey emphasised that the objective of the ongoing exercise extends beyond collecting personal details. He explained that the process aims to create a secure identification structure that supports accountability within Ghana’s telecommunications sector.
In light of the findings presented before Parliament, the Minister indicated that improving the SIM registration system requires addressing weaknesses from previous approaches. He said the government’s focus remains on ensuring that subscriber records are supported by accurate verification methods.
New Verification Process Targets Secure SIM Registration System
The Minister of Communications, Technology and Digital Innovations, Honourable Samuel Nartey George has stated that the ongoing SIM card registration process seeks to correct weaknesses identified in the previous exercise. He explained that the current approach has been designed around biometric verification to establish a more reliable subscriber database.
Discussing the new measures during parliamentary proceedings, the Minister said the earlier registration system did not achieve the required level of security because it depended on biodata information. The Ningo Prampram MP indicated that the revised process would use biometric records from the National Identification Authority (NIA) to confirm the identity of subscribers.
“Today, as Minister, I am writing the wrongs of the past. We are doing a registration that will use the biometric data, not the biodata.”
Honourable Samuel Nartey George
Honourable Nartey recalled that he previously raised issues about the structure of the earlier registration exercise while serving on the Parliamentary Select Committee. He noted that his objections centred on the ability of the process to create a secure database capable of protecting subscriber information.
Furthermore, the Communications Minister revealed that a new Legislative Instrument had been introduced to provide legal backing for the exercise. He explained that the updated framework was intended to ensure that the registration process operates within an established legal structure.
The Minister also addressed the role of the National Identification Authority in supporting the verification process. He explained that the NIA database contains biometric information which can be used to authenticate individuals during registration.
According to Honourable Nartey, the verification process will allow subscribers to complete the exercise using digital tools from their homes. He compared the system to everyday security methods such as unlocking smartphones with fingerprints and confirming identities during elections through biometric checks.
“The same way when you want to access your banking app, you have registered your biometric on the phone, but every time you seek to unlock the phone, you use your fingerprint.”
Honourable Samuel Nartey George
Additionally, the Minister assured Parliament that the process would not place an extra financial burden on subscribers. He stated that the verification system would be provided at no cost to consumers while allowing citizens to confirm their identities conveniently.
The Communications Minister explained that the government’s decision to introduce biometric verification formed part of efforts to strengthen digital services in the country. He added that accurate identity confirmation would support safer telecommunications operations and improve trust in electronic systems.
Moreover, Honourable Nartey referenced comments from Honourable Mahama Ayariga during the parliamentary discussion, agreeing that biometric verification requires a reliable database for comparison. He said the presence of biometric records at the NIA provides the foundation needed to complete the process effectively.
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