Cabinet Approves Fresh SIM Registration Exercise
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Government of Ghana has approved a completely new nationwide SIM registration exercise following an extensive review of the previous process.
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed that the decision was taken by Cabinet after identifying several weaknesses in the earlier registration exercise, including weak biometric enforcement, data inconsistencies and cases of registration fraud.
The Minister made this known during high-level discussions with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority (NCA). The meeting focused on plans for a new national SIM registration exercise and the roadmap for the rollout of 5G technology in the country.
Mr. George emphasised that the new exercise will not be a continuation of the previous system but rather a complete reset designed to restore credibility and strengthen security within the telecommunications sector.
New Framework for SIM Registration
Outlining the key components of the proposed exercise, the Minister explained that the National Communications Authority will act as the central repository for all SIM registration data.
He added that biometric verification will be mandatory under the new framework to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the registration process.
The Minister also revealed plans to introduce a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which will allow authorities to block stolen or fraud-linked devices across all mobile networks.
“A Central Equipment Identity Register will enable cross-network blocking of stolen or fraud-linked devices,” he said.
In addition, a revised Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is currently being prepared to regulate the new SIM registration exercise.
Although telecom operators welcomed the initiative, some raised concerns about the operational challenges associated with implementing the exercise.
It also remains unclear when the new nationwide registration will begin or how the cost of implementation will be shared among stakeholders.
The planned exercise will mark the second nationwide SIM registration drive in the country following a similar exercise conducted in 2021, which the current administration says was affected by several operational challenges.
Government Reviews 5G Rollout Strategy
During the meeting, discussions also focused on the government’s strategy for deploying 5G technology in Ghana.
Mr. George disclosed that Cabinet has approved the removal of the exclusivity clause under the previous wholesale 5G framework, paving the way for a new competitive spectrum auction.
According to him, the wholesale model itself has not been scrapped. Instead, the revised framework will support a network-based rollout that allows multiple operators to participate while ensuring nationwide coverage.
One of the major highlights of the policy shift is a new 5G spectrum auction, which government expects to conclude in the near future.
Authorities believe the coordinated rollout will help prevent distortions within the telecommunications market while promoting fair competition among service providers.
Industry Calls for Supportive Policies
Telecommunications operators at the meeting acknowledged the potential benefits of 5G technology but pointed out that its deployment is highly capital intensive.
They explained that the rollout will require significant investments in spectrum acquisition, network upgrades and infrastructure expansion.
As a result, operators called for reasonable spectrum pricing, clear policy direction and streamlined regulatory approvals to support faster deployment.
The meeting also addressed Cabinet-approved reforms aimed at strengthening national security, improving the quality of telecommunications services and accelerating the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Participants agreed to continue structured technical engagements between the Ministry, the NCA, the Telecoms Chamber and industry operators to refine the implementation framework for both the SIM registration exercise and the upcoming 5G spectrum auction.
Immediate next steps include finalising the revised Legislative Instrument and publishing documentation for the spectrum auction process.
