By Adnan Adams Mohammed
In a major overhaul of Ghana’s digital landscape, the Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that Cabinet has approved a brand-new national SIM registration exercise.
The move, described as a “complete reset” rather than a continuation of previous efforts, aims to address deep-seated vulnerabilities in the country’s telecommunications security framework.
A Shift from the 2021 Framework
The Minister disclosed the decision during high-level consultations with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
According to Mr. George, an extensive review of the 2021 registration drive revealed critical failures that necessitated a fresh start. These challenges included:
● Weak Biometric Enforcement: Loopholes that allowed for non-compliant registrations.
● Data Inconsistencies: Discrepancies between telco databases and national identification records.
● Registration Fraud: Rise in pre-registered SIM cards used for criminal activities.
“The new approach will not be a continuation of the previous system but a complete reset aimed at restoring credibility and strengthening security,” the Minister emphasized.
The New Security Architecture
To prevent a recurrence of past issues, the government is introducing several robust technical measures:
● Centralized Data Repository: The NCA will now serve as the primary host for all SIM registration data.
● Mandatory Biometrics: Strict biometric verification will be the cornerstone of the new framework.
● CEIR Implementation: A Central Equipment Identity Register will be established to allow authorities to block stolen or fraud-linked devices across all networks simultaneously.
● New Legislation: A revised Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is currently being drafted to provide a solid legal backing for the exercise.
5G Deployment: Exclusivity Scrapped
Beyond SIM cards, the meeting marked a pivotal shift in Ghana’s high-speed internet strategy. Cabinet has officially approved the removal of the exclusivity clause from the previous wholesale 5G framework.
This decision paves the way for a competitive spectrum auction, allowing multiple operators to vie for the rights to deploy 5G technology. While the wholesale model remains an option, the revised policy encourages a network-based rollout to ensure universal coverage across the country.
Industry Response and Next Steps
While telecom operators welcomed the clarity on 5G, they raised concerns regarding the capital-intensive nature of the technology. Industry leaders called for:
1. Reasonable Spectrum Pricing: To ensure the auction is accessible.
2. Infrastructure Support: Streamlined regulatory approvals for cell site expansion.
3. Predictable Policy: Ensuring long-term investment security.
The Ministry and the Telecoms Chamber have agreed to immediate technical engagements to refine the rollout roadmap. The next major milestones will be the publication of the 5G auction documentation and the finalization of the new SIM registration L.I.
Comparison: Ghana’s SIM Registration Frameworks (2021 vs. 2026)
Below is a detailed breakdown comparing the 2021 nationwide SIM registration exercise with the newly approved 2026 framework announced by Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George.
Feature 2021 Registration Exercise 2026 Registration Framework (Proposed)
Status/Classification The previous administration’s model; now described by the current government as “plagued by challenges.” “A Complete Reset” approved by Cabinet; a completely new nationwide exercise.
Data Repository Individual telecommunication operators (Telcos) maintained separate customer databases. Centralized Database: The National Communications Authority (NCA) will serve as the single central repository.
Biometric Verification Weak Enforcement: Data inconsistencies and non-compliant biometric capture were common. Mandatory Enforcement: Rigid biometric verification will be required for every registration.
Anti-Fraud Tools Limited ability to block fraudulent devices across different operator networks. CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): Implementation enabling cross-network blocking of stolen or fraud-linked devices.
Legal Basis Based on the existing 2011 Subscriber Identity Module Registration Regulations (L.I. 2006). Revised Legislation: A new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is being drafted specifically to regulate this reset.
Key Issues Addressed Aimed to link all SIM cards to the Ghana Card, but suffered from implementation flaws. Credibility and Security: Designed specifically to fix weak biometric enforcement and stop data-driven fraud.
