Ghana is set to modernise its SIM registration system with the launch of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), a national database designed to track mobile devices, block stolen phones, and ensure subscriber information is accurate.
Announced during a recent stakeholder engagement, the move aims to strengthen oversight and protect consumers from fraud, including mobile money scams and unauthorised SIM swaps.
Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Edmund Fianko, explained that the CEIR will use unique device identification numbers (IMEIs) to identify unapproved, substandard, or duplicate devices—common sources of service complaints.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, highlighted the system’s strict enforcement measures against fraudulent SIMs.
“Every SIM card not registered by its rightful owner will be blocked. The device will be blacklisted, the number disabled, and the Ghana Card flagged,” he said.
Past registration exercises exposed weaknesses in verifying subscriber identities against the National Identification Authority (NIA) database, allowing some individuals to register SIMs using false or unverifiable information.
With CEIR, SIM activation will now require real-time biometric verification, linking each SIM to its legitimate owner.
The Ministry is also preparing a revised Legislative Instrument to replace the 2011 Subscriber Identity Module Registration (LI 2006), which will govern the updated registration process.