Another SIM Registration ‘Wahala’ Is Coming After Former Minister’s Shoddy Work

Ghanaians may soon undergo another nationwide SIM card registration exercise following Cabinet approval for a completely new process, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has disclosed.

According to the Minister, the decision follows an extensive review of the previous registration exercise, which uncovered several irregularities including weak biometric enforcement, data inconsistencies and instances of registration fraud.

Mr. George revealed this during a high-level meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority (NCA), where discussions focused on a fresh SIM registration exercise and Ghana’s roadmap for the rollout of 5G technology.

According to a Joy Business report, the Minister emphasised that the new exercise will not be a continuation of the previous system but rather a complete reset aimed at restoring credibility and strengthening security within the SIM registration framework.

Outlining the proposed structure of the new exercise, the Minister indicated that the NCA will serve as the central repository for all SIM registration data, while biometric verification will become mandatory under the new system.

He also announced the introduction of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which will enable telecom operators to block stolen or fraud-linked mobile devices across all networks.

In addition, a revised Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is currently being prepared to provide the legal framework for the new exercise.

Telecommunications operators present at the meeting welcomed the initiative but raised concerns about operational challenges associated with implementing the new system.

However, authorities are yet to announce the start date for the exercise or indicate who will bear the financial cost of its implementation.

The proposed initiative will become the second nationwide SIM registration exercise in Ghana, following the 2021 exercise which the current administration says was plagued by multiple challenges.

On the deployment of 5G technology, Mr. George disclosed that Cabinet has approved the removal of the exclusivity clause under the previous wholesale 5G framework.

The decision paves the way for a competitive spectrum auction that will allow multiple operators to participate in the rollout of the next-generation network.

While clarifying that the wholesale model has not been scrapped entirely, the Minister explained that the revised framework will adopt a network-based rollout approach to ensure universal deployment across telecommunications operators.

A new 5G spectrum auction is expected to be concluded soon as part of the implementation process.

Telecom operators, however, highlighted the capital-intensive nature of 5G technology, noting that its deployment will require major investments in spectrum acquisition, network upgrades and infrastructure expansion.

They therefore called for reasonable spectrum pricing, predictable government policies and streamlined regulatory approvals to facilitate faster deployment.

The meeting also discussed Cabinet-approved reforms aimed at strengthening national security, improving quality of service and accelerating Ghana’s digital transformation.

Participants agreed to begin structured technical engagements between the Ministry, the NCA, the Telecoms Chamber and telecom operators to refine the implementation framework for both the new SIM registration exercise and the 5G spectrum auction.

Immediate next steps include the finalisation of the revised Legislative Instrument and the publication of auction documentation for the planned 5G spectrum sale.