Government to Roll Out Free, Self-Service SIM Registration Exercise
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has assured that the forthcoming SIM registration exercise will be free of charge and designed to offer maximum convenience to consumers.
Speaking at a media engagement, the Minister disclosed that the initiative is being implemented under direct instructions from John Dramani Mahama, aimed at eliminating the challenges experienced during the 2022–2023 registration exercise.
According to him, the new system will be largely self-service, enabling subscribers to complete the entire registration process on their mobile devices without visiting telecom service centres.
“The architecture is intentionally designed to ensure that the majority of Ghanaians can register their SIM cards from wherever they are in the world, without stress,” he stated.
Unlike the previous exercise where self-service options attracted a fee, the Minister emphasised that the new process will be completely free, with improved system efficiency to avoid multiple or failed charges.
Strengthened institutional collaboration
Mr George attributed his confidence in the new system to enhanced collaboration between the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA).
He explained that both institutions are working closely to ensure that all data collected can be verified and authenticated against the national identification database, a challenge that undermined the credibility of the previous exercise.
This, he noted, will support the development of a more reliable Central SIM Register.
Global access and fraud prevention measures
The Minister further indicated that the system will allow Ghanaians in the diaspora to register their SIM cards remotely using their Ghana Card, eliminating the need to travel to Ghana or rely on intermediaries.
A key feature of the process is a liveliness verification test, which captures a real-time facial image of the user to match with data on the Ghana Card. This is expected to curb fraudulent registrations involving the use of third-party identity details.
Additionally, a One-Time Password (OTP) approval system will be required for every SIM registration attempt. The OTP will be sent to the Ghana Card holder’s registered number, and registration will only proceed upon authorisation.
The Minister cautioned that individuals who knowingly allow their Ghana Card details to be used for SIM registration will be held accountable for any fraudulent activity linked to such SIM cards.
Addressing past challenges
Mr George acknowledged that weaknesses in the previous registration exercise led to breaches in the Central SIM Register, citing recent findings by the NCA which showed that 19% of sampled SIM registrations were invalid.
He assured that the new framework prioritises consumer protection and data integrity over procurement considerations, with a focus on building a credible and secure database.
Potential exclusions and enforcement
The Minister noted that not all existing SIM cards are expected to be re-registered, particularly those linked to fraudulent or unverifiable identities.
He warned that such SIM cards will be deactivated if users fail to regularise their details within a stipulated period, which is yet to be determined.
The proposed SIM Registration Bill, which will provide the legal backing for the exercise, is currently before Parliament awaiting passage.
