The SIM card registration system which is said to be anchored on real-time biometric verification and tighter regulatory controls, according to authorities, is seeking to strengthen national security and reduce identity-related fraud.
Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George briefed Parliament’s Select Committee on Information and Communication on the updated framework, which is being implemented in collaboration with the National Communications Authority and the National Identification Authority.
The minister said the new system introduces real-time biometric verification against the national identity database, mandatory audit trails and stricter accountability measures to track all registration activities and identify agents involved.
Under the revised process, SIM cards will only be activated after successful verification of biometric data, linking every active number to a confirmed identity. Authorities say the move is aimed at tackling fraud, enhancing traceability and improving oversight in the telecommunications sector. Government also notes that mobile network operators will not pass registration-related costs to users, keeping the process free for subscribers.
The framework outlines specific identification requirements for different user groups, including the use of the Ghana Card for citizens, non-citizen cards for foreign residents and passports for visitors. Corporate entities will be required to provide incorporation documents alongside identification of authorized signatories.
Additional features include support for both Android and iOS devices, self-registration options for eSIM and physical SIM cards, and remote SIM delinking capabilities. The system will also integrate device verification through the Central Equipment Identity Register operated by the telecoms regulator, enabling authorities to track and block stolen or counterfeit devices.
Nartey George said strengthened authentication protocols, including real-time validation and one-time password verification, are expected to reduce the risk of fake identity usage and ensure user consent during registration.
Inactive or non-compliant SIMs, particularly those linked to foreign nationals, will face automatic deactivation after a 90-day period or upon expiry of legal stay, with built-in controls to enforce compliance.
The initiative is being aligned with broader financial and data protection regulations through collaboration with the Bank of Ghana and the Data Protection Commission, particularly in addressing risks linked to mobile money services.
Chair of the parliamentary committee, Bandim Lamangin Abed-Nego, welcomed the reforms and emphasized the need for transparency, public trust and sustained awareness to ensure nationwide compliance.
The rollout marks Ghana’s latest attempt to tighten oversight in its telecommunications sector, as governments globally adopt stricter identity verification systems to combat fraud and strengthen digital security.
