New SIM registration: a chance to secure our digital future

February 27, 2026

2 minutes read

GHANA is taking a decisive step to strengthen its digital ecosystem with the announcement of a nationwide SIM card registration exercise, now incorporating live biometric verification against the National Identification Authority (NIA) database.

This is more than a routine administrative update; it is a fundamental move to protect the integrity of the country’s digital identification system and safeguard citizens’ personal data.

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, made it clear that the new exercise seeks to correct deficiencies in the previous registration process.

Unlike before, this initiative will involve real-time biometric verification for every registration. As the Minister put it: “This exercise will be the first in our history to have live verification against the NIA database and provide biometric verification for every registration.”

Importantly, the government has emphasised convenience. Self-service digital portals and a streamlined registration system are designed to minimise queues and avoid unrealistic deadlines, ensuring the process works for citizens, not against them.

Moreover, the Data Protection Commission will oversee the collection and processing of personal data, guaranteeing adherence to strict privacy and security standards.

As the Minister rightly highlighted, personal data is more than a bureaucratic requirement; it is the gateway to essential services, from banking and insurance to healthcare.

“Trust is not an abstract idea; it is a form of economic infrastructure,” he warned, underscoring the stakes of a robust, secure digital identification framework.

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making are rapidly expanding, Ghana’s commitment to data protection and digital governance has never been more critical.

The planned launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy further signals that Ghana is determined to harness technology responsibly.

By embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems, the government is ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of citizens’ rights or security.

Yet, technology alone cannot protect us. As NIA CEO Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku reminded the nation: “The biggest vulnerability in cybersecurity is the human being.”

Awareness, caution, and responsible use of personal data are as essential as the systems designed to protect it.

Ghana’s digital future is at a crossroads. The new SIM registration exercise is an opportunity to restore public trust, secure sensitive data, and lay the foundation for a modern, innovative economy.

But success will require collective responsibility; the government must ensure smooth implementation and robust oversight, while citizens must engage responsibly and safeguard their own data.

If executed properly, this initiative could serve as a model for the rest of the continent, demonstrating that technological progress and data protection can go hand in hand.

Ghana must seize this moment to assert digital sovereignty, strengthen governance, and secure the promise of a safe and inclusive digital future.

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