The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that Cabinet has approved a completely new SIM registration exercise following a review of the previous process.
According to the Minister, the earlier registration drive faced several challenges, including weak biometric verification, inconsistencies in collected data and cases of fraudulent registrations.
Mr George disclosed this during a meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority. Discussions at the meeting also focused on plans for a new national SIM registration exercise and the roadmap for rolling out 5G services in Ghana.
The Minister explained that the upcoming registration exercise will not be a continuation of the previous system but a complete reset intended to restore credibility and strengthen security.
As part of the new framework, the National Communications Authority will serve as the central repository for all SIM registration data, while biometric verification will become mandatory for all users.
Mr George also revealed that a Central Equipment Identity Register will be introduced to enable telecom networks to block stolen or fraud-related devices across all operators.
He further disclosed that a revised Legislative Instrument is being prepared to regulate the new registration process.
Telecom operators who attended the meeting welcomed the initiative but raised operational concerns, particularly regarding the cost and logistics of implementing the new system. It is also unclear when the exercise will officially begin or who will bear the financial responsibility.
Meanwhile, discussions also touched on Ghana’s 5G rollout. The Minister clarified that the wholesale model has not been scrapped but will be adjusted to allow a network-based rollout to ensure universal deployment across telecom operators.
A key part of the plan is a new 5G spectrum auction expected to be concluded soon, with authorities aiming to coordinate the rollout to avoid distortions in the telecommunications market.
Telecom companies, however, noted that deploying 5G technology requires significant investment in spectrum acquisition, network upgrades and infrastructure expansion. They therefore called for reasonable spectrum pricing, clear policy direction and faster regulatory approvals to support rapid deployment.
The meeting also reviewed Cabinet-approved reforms designed to improve national security, enhance service quality and accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation.
Participants agreed to continue structured technical engagements involving the Ministry, the National Communications Authority, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and telecom operators to refine the implementation framework for both the new SIM registration exercise and the upcoming 5G spectrum auction.
The immediate next steps include finalising the revised Legislative Instrument and publishing documentation for the planned spectrum auction.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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