The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations is set to roll out a fresh biometric SIM registration exercise to bolster the security and integrity of Ghana’s telecommunications sector.
The Minister, Sam Nartey George, disclosed this to Parliament on Tuesday whilst addressing questions regarding the rationale behind the new initiative.
He explained that whilst the previous exercise required SIM cards to be linked to verified identities via the National Identification Authority (NIA) database, the collected biometric data was not verified in real time.
This technical gap allowed some individuals to exploit the system.
“As a result, some individuals were able to register SIM cards using false, stolen or unverifiable identities,” the Minister stated, noting that these systemic vulnerabilities continue to compromise the national SIM register.
Elaborating on the necessity of the fresh exercise, Mr George identified incomplete biometric verification and the surge in cybercrime—such as SIM swap fraud, mobile money fraud, and identity theft—as major catalysts for the decision. He added that the sale and use of pre-registered SIM cards have further compromised public safety.
To address these critical issues, the new framework will mandate real-time biometric authentication before any SIM card or numbering resource is activated.
“This will ensure that every active number in Ghana is linked to a verified and traceable identity,” the Minister explained.
The upcoming registration exercise will also introduce several robust security features. These include electronic biometric verification, self-registration options for both physical and e-SIMs, remote SIM de-linking, and device verification through the Central Equipment Identity Register.
Additionally, the system will offer real-time validation of corporate and diplomatic documents alongside enhanced fraud prevention mechanisms.
Mr George emphasised that the new Electronic Communication Numbering Resource Registration aims to shield subscribers from fraud whilst significantly boosting national security.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
