Ghana’s Communication Minister, Samuel Nartey George, says Cabinet has approved a completely new SIM registration exercise after what he described as “an extensive review” of the previous process.
George told the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority (NCA) that weak biometric enforcement, data inconsistencies, and cases of registration fraud marred the earlier exercise. “The new approach will not be a continuation of the previous system, but a complete reset aimed at restoring credibility and strengthening security in the process,” he said.
Under the new framework, the NCA will serve as the central repository of SIM registration data, with biometric verification made mandatory. A Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) will also be introduced to allow cross-network blocking of stolen or fraud-linked devices. “A revised Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is being prepared to regulate the exercise,” Sam George added.
Telecom operators welcomed the initiative but raised operational concerns, particularly over who will bear the cost of implementation. The government has yet to announce when the exercise will begin. This will be Ghana’s second nationwide SIM registration drive after the 2021 rollout, which officials say was plagued by challenges.
On 5G deployment, George revealed that Cabinet has approved the removal of the exclusivity clause under the previous wholesale framework, paving the way for a competitive spectrum auction.
“The wholesale model has not been cancelled. Instead, the revised framework will enable a network-based rollout to ensure universal deployment across operators,” he clarified.
The new auction is expected to be concluded soon, with rollout coordinated to prevent market distortion. Operators cautioned that 5G deployment is capital-intensive, requiring major investments in spectrum acquisition, network upgrades, and infrastructure expansion. They urged government to ensure reasonable spectrum pricing, predictable policy direction, and streamlined regulatory approvals.
The meeting ended with agreement on structured technical engagements between the Ministry, the NCA, the Telecoms Chamber, and operators to refine the framework for both the SIM registration exercise and the 5G auction. Immediate next steps include finalising the revised Legislative Instrument and publishing auction documentation.
