The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that Cabinet has approved a completely new SIM registration exercise in Ghana.
He said the decision follows a review of the previous registration process, which revealed challenges such as weak biometric enforcement, data inconsistencies and cases of registration fraud.
Mr George disclosed this during a meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority (NCA).
According to him, the new exercise will be a complete reset rather than a continuation of the earlier system.
Under the new framework, the National Communications Authority will act as the central repository for SIM registration data, while biometric verification will be mandatory.
The minister also announced plans to introduce a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to allow telecom operators to block stolen or fraud-linked mobile devices across all networks.
He added that a revised Legislative Instrument is being prepared to regulate the exercise.
Telecom operators welcomed the initiative but raised concerns about operational costs. It is not yet clear when the new registration process will begin or who will bear the cost.
The planned exercise will be the second nationwide SIM registration drive since 2021, which the government says faced several implementation challenges.
5G rollout plans
On the rollout of 5G technology, Mr George said Cabinet has approved the removal of the exclusivity clause in the previous wholesale 5G framework.
This decision will allow a competitive spectrum auction process for operators.
He explained that although the wholesale model has not been cancelled, the revised framework will allow network-based deployment to ensure wider access across telecom operators.
The government plans to organise a new 5G spectrum auction, which is expected to be concluded soon.
However, telecom operators noted that deploying 5G will require significant investment in spectrum acquisition, infrastructure upgrades and network expansion. They therefore called for fair spectrum pricing, clear policy direction and faster regulatory approvals.
The meeting ended with an agreement for continued technical engagements between the ministry, the NCA and telecom operators to finalise implementation plans for both the SIM registration exercise and the 5G rollout.
