The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has assured Parliament that the upcoming nationwide SIM re-registration exercise will be smooth, secure, and completely free for all users.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communication, Mr. George said the exercise—conducted in partnership with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA)—features significant upgrades to enhance security, accountability, and user experience.
In a Facebook statement, the Ministry noted that the Minister highlighted improvements such as real-time biometric verification, mandatory audit trails, and stricter accountability measures to track registration activities and identify responsible agents. He also stressed that Mobile Network Operators will not charge subscribers for the registration process.
Under the new system:
- Ghanaian citizens will register using their Ghana Card.
- Foreign residents will use the Non-Citizen Ghana Card.
- Refugees will present the Refugee Non-Citizen ID.
- Visitors and tourists must provide a valid passport and proof of entry.
- Diplomats will register with official identification.
- Corporate entities will use a certificate of incorporation alongside the Ghana Card of an authorized signatory.
SIM activation will only occur after successful real-time biometric verification against the NIA database, ensuring each active SIM is linked to a verified identity.
The upgraded platform will support both Android and iOS devices, allow self-registration for eSIMs and physical SIMs, enable remote SIM delinking, and validate diplomatic and corporate records in real time. Device verification through the NCA’s Central Equipment Identity Register will further strengthen security.
Mr. George explained that the system aims to improve national security, reduce identity fraud, and curb the use of unregistered or stolen devices. Enhanced verification protocols will address concerns about fake Ghana Cards, while One-Time Password (OTP) authentication will ensure registrations are completed only with the consent of the rightful owner.
Inactive or non-compliant SIMs, particularly those of foreign nationals, will have a 90-day validity period or be tied to the individual’s legal stay, with automated systems deactivating lines that do not comply.
The Minister also highlighted collaboration with institutions like the Bank of Ghana and the Data Protection Commission to ensure the exercise complies with financial and data protection regulations.
Committee Chairperson Bandim Lamangin Abed-Nego praised the Ministry for its proactive briefing, emphasizing the need for transparency, public trust, and continuous education to achieve nationwide compliance.