The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the national SIM registration framework, introducing mandatory real-time biometric verification to address vulnerabilities in the existing subscriber database and strengthen national security.
Speaking at a media engagement in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, the sector minister, Samuel Nartey George emphasized that while previous exercises occurred in 2010 and 2021, the new phase represents a fundamental shift in favor of a more secure, integrated system, marking the first time the country will implement a true biometric SIM verification.
Edmund Y. Fianko, Director General of the NCA, provided data from a pilot validation exercise conducted in June 2025. The test, which sampled 2 million records, revealed significant inconsistencies.
Specifically, only 81.1% of facial records matched the NIA database, and there was a 0% match rate for fingerprints due to technical discrepancies between the NIA’s “contact” captures and the previous registration’s “contactless” methods.
Additionally, cases were discovered where multiple ID cards shared identical names and dates of birth but featured different photographs and physical characteristics.
Technological Innovations and Consumer Convenience
To address these gaps, the government is introducing the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). This system will link SIM cards to the specific devices (IMEI numbers) being used. Fianko explained that the CEIR will allow the NCA to block stolen or substandard devices across all networks, effectively disincentivizing phone theft. “We are looking forward to the day that there is no use taking a phone away from a person,” he remarked.
The new regulations also prioritize user convenience through secure digital platforms. A new self-service application supporting both Android and iOS will allow Ghanaians at home and abroad to register remotely using multi-factor authentication. For those without smartphones, the government will deploy mobile teams and designated customer service centers to provide assisted registration, including an appointment booking system to prevent long queues and ensure an orderly process.
The legal framework is currently being updated to replace the 2011 regulations. The new Legislative Instrument (LI) will mandate real-time verification as a requirement of law, ensuring that every active number in Ghana is tied to a verified identity. This includes clearer ownership rules for transferring numbers and specific provisions for minors, tourists, and corporate entities.
”The public is at the center of this entire process,” the Minister assured. “The comfort of the public is the priority.”
Story by: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
