Ghana's government will introduce mandatory biometric verification for SIM card registration by the end of 2026. This new system requires subscribers to provide fingerprints or other biometric data to link SIM cards to verified identities. The initiative aims to strengthen the security of telecommunications and digital identity within the country.
The announcement by Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, follows Parliament's passage of the Legislative Instrument (LI) on SIM registration. This LI paves the way for implementing the enhanced security measures. The new system directly addresses shortcomings of the previous SIM registration exercise, which concluded in May 2023 with millions of cards unverified. The government seeks to improve public confidence in communication services and reduce fraud.
This policy change fits into Ghana's broader push for a robust digital economy and secure online transactions. The previous SIM registration, which began on October 1, 2021, faced significant hurdles. While 28.96 million SIM cards were linked to Ghana Cards by October 2022, only 18.93 million completed the full biometric registration. This meant 67.28 percent of SIM cards were linked, but only 44.28 percent were fully registered. The National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ministry acknowledged that the initial exercise did not fully achieve its goals. This new directive signals a renewed commitment to a secure digital ecosystem, crucial for financial services and national security.
Minister Samuel Nartey George stated, "The work is far from finished, and I will not pretend otherwise. But the direction is unmistakable, the results are measurable, and the resolve of this Ministry is unshaken." He made these remarks at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, September 7, 2026. This statement underscores the government's determination to overcome past challenges and ensure a more effective registration process this time.
The implementation of biometric verification will have significant implications for telecommunications companies and subscribers. Companies like MTN Ghana, which blocked 5.4 million unregistered SIM cards after the previous deadline, will need to adapt their infrastructure. Subscribers will face a new verification process, with specific timelines and potential sanctions for non-compliance yet to be announced. This move is expected to reduce mobile money fraud and enhance the traceability of digital transactions, impacting the financial sector. The NCA held stakeholder consultations on March 13, 2026, discussing requirements for residents, foreigners, and minors. These discussions covered the number of SIM cards allowed per identification card and operational issues. The Ministry will now work with the NCA and telcos to roll out the system before the end of 2026. This will ensure that all active SIM cards are securely tied to verified identities, a critical step for Ghana's digital future.