Government Unveils Tough New SIM Registration Regime to Combat MoMo Fraud and Phone Theft
The Government of Ghana is set to roll out a sweeping overhaul of its SIM registration system, introducing stringent measures aimed at curbing mobile money fraud and tackling the growing menace of mobile phone theft nationwide.
At a high-level stakeholder engagement held in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations outlined a bold new framework that raises the cost of fraud and strengthens digital identity protections.
Leading the announcement, Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, revealed that individuals whose Ghana Cards are repeatedly linked to fraudulent SIM registrations, particularly those associated with mobile money (MoMo) fraud, will face severe consequences, including being permanently barred from accessing telecommunications services.
Under the new regime, any Ghana Card found to have been used more than once in fraudulent SIM registrations will be blocked entirely, preventing its holder from registering new SIM cards or accessing telecom services. The Minister emphasized that this sanction carries significant implications, given that the Ghana Card is now a critical requirement for accessing a wide range of public services.
“By raising the cost of engaging in mobile money fraud to prohibitive levels, we are sending a clear message, there will be no safe haven for fraudsters,” he stated.
The Minister also issued a strong caution to the public, urging citizens to safeguard their personal data and refrain from registering SIM cards on behalf of others, a practice increasingly exploited by criminals.
Nationwide System to Block Stolen Phones
In a parallel move to combat device theft, the Director-General of the National Communications Authority, Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, announced the introduction of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).
This system will assign status classifications to all mobile devices in the country:
Green – approved and safe for use
Yellow – flagged for review with a grace period for resolution
Red – blocked devices, unable to connect to any network
By integrating the equipment identity registers of all mobile network operators into a unified national database, the CEIR will ensure that stolen or illegal phones are rendered unusable across all networks.
“The goal is simple, eliminate the incentive for mobile phone theft by making stolen devices completely worthless,” Rev. Fianko explained.
Primary Number Verification to Tighten SIM Controls
To further strengthen accountability, the government is introducing a primary number verification system. Under this system, any attempt to register additional SIM cards using a Ghana Card will require approval via a one-time password (OTP) sent to the subscriber’s designated primary number.
Once approved, the registration becomes binding, eliminating the possibility of denial and closing loopholes frequently exploited in fraudulent registrations.
This system will apply to both residents in Ghana and citizens living abroad, provided they can successfully verify their identity.
Transparent Procurement, No Cost to the State
Addressing public concerns, the Minister firmly dismissed claims that a contract had already been awarded for the project. He clarified that the procurement process is still under review by the Public Procurement Authority and no provider has been selected.
Importantly, he assured that the initiative will not place any financial burden on the state. Instead, mobile network operators will bear the cost of SIM registration, including biometric verification conducted in collaboration with the National Identification Authority.
Expanding Ghana Card Access Nationwide
To ensure inclusivity, Wisdom Kwaku Deku, Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority, announced an aggressive expansion of Ghana Card registration services.
Mobile registration teams will work alongside telecom operators to provide on-the-spot Ghana Card issuance, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The Authority now operates 294 district offices nationwide, a significant increase from just seven during the previous registration exercise, with approximately 90% of Ghanaians already enrolled.
Additional registration points will include Ghana Post offices and Community Information Centres under the One Million Coders programme, further widening access.
Legal Framework and Rollout Timeline
The Minister emphasized that the new system will only be implemented after the passage of the required Legislative Instrument, currently pending before Parliament. A mandatory 21-day review period will precede full rollout.
“We are committed to due process. Without a legal framework, the exercise will not commence,” he stressed, expressing confidence that the initiative will be launched within 2026.
Key Highlights of the New Regime
Mandatory SIM registration using the Ghana Card for citizens
Non-citizens required to present a non-citizen Ghana Card
Tourists to receive SIM cards valid for 90 days
Blocking of Ghana Cards linked to repeated fraud
Nationwide disabling of stolen mobile devices
OTP-based approval for multiple SIM registrations
As Ghana moves to secure its digital ecosystem, authorities are calling on the media and the public to support widespread education and awareness.
Rev. Fianko underscored the importance of collaboration: “The media remains our most powerful partner in reaching the masses. Clear communication will be key to the success of this initiative.”
With these decisive steps, the government is signaling a new era of accountability and security in Ghana’s telecommunications and digital finance landscape.
