The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has assured Parliament that Ghana’s upcoming SIM re-registration exercise will be completely free, secure, and technologically advanced.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communication, the Minister emphasized that the redesigned process aims to eliminate past inefficiencies while strengthening national security and public trust.
Free Registration for All Citizens
Mr. George made it clear that no Ghanaian will bear any cost for the exercise, stressing that mobile network operators will absorb all associated expenses.
The Minister reaffirmed that the process will remain “entirely free” and seamless for subscribers.
This assurance comes amid widespread concerns over potential financial burdens on citizens, following previous SIM registration exercises that faced criticism for operational challenges.
Enhanced Security Through Biometric Verification
A key feature of the new system is real-time biometric verification, which will link every SIM card to a verified identity using the Ghana Card database.
According to the Minister, SIM cards will only be activated after successful authentication against the database managed by the National Identification Authority.
Additional security upgrades include:
- Mandatory audit trails to monitor registration activities
- One-Time Password (OTP) authentication for user consent
- Device verification through a centralized equipment identity system
- Stronger safeguards against fake Ghana Cards
These measures are expected to significantly reduce identity fraud and eliminate unregistered or illegally acquired SIM cards.
Inclusive Registration Framework
The government has outlined clear requirements for different categories of users:
- Ghanaian citizens: Ghana Card
- Foreign residents: Non-Citizen Ghana Card
- Refugees: Refugee ID
- Tourists/Visitors: Valid passport and entry proof
- Diplomats: Official identification
- Businesses: Certificate of incorporation + authorized representative’s Ghana Card
This structured approach is designed to ensure inclusivity while maintaining strict verification standards.
Digital Convenience and Innovation
In a move to improve accessibility, the system will support:
- Self-registration options for both eSIM and physical SIMs
- Compatibility with Android and iOS devices
- Remote SIM delinking
- Real-time validation of user credentials
These features aim to eliminate long queues and inefficiencies that plagued earlier registration exercises.
Stronger Institutional Collaboration
The Ministry is working closely with key institutions, including the National Communications Authority, the Bank of Ghana, and the Data Protection Commission to ensure compliance with financial and data protection regulations.
The integration of these institutions is expected to enhance transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Boosting National Security and Data Integrity
Mr. George noted that the upgraded system is designed not only for convenience but also to strengthen national security, prevent SIM-related crimes, and improve the integrity of Ghana’s telecommunications database.
Inactive or non-compliant SIM cards, especially those belonging to foreign nationals, will face strict monitoring, including limited validity periods and automatic deactivation if requirements are not met.
Parliament Commends Initiative
The Parliamentary Committee welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of public education, transparency, and trust in ensuring nationwide compliance.
Ghana’s renewed SIM re-registration exercise marks a significant shift toward a secure, transparent, and citizen-friendly digital identification system. With zero cost to users and robust biometric verification, the initiative is expected to address past shortcomings and set a new standard for telecom regulation in the country.
