The Government of Ghana is rolling out stricter measures under its SIM re-registration framework as part of efforts to curb mobile money fraud and reduce mobile phone theft.
The new policy was announced during a stakeholder engagement organised in Accra on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations.
Addressing participants at the meeting, the sector minister, Samuel Nartey George, said individuals whose Ghana Card is repeatedly connected to fraudulent SIM registrations could face serious consequences.
According to him, if the same Ghana Card is used in more than one SIM registration linked to mobile money scams, it will be blocked from registering additional SIM cards.
“If the same Ghana Card is found to be involved in more than one fraudulent registration linked to mobile money fraud, that Ghana Card will be blocked and barred from registering a SIM,” he explained.
Sam George noted that the measure is designed to make fraud more difficult and costly for criminals, particularly because the Ghana Card is now required to access many public services.
He also advised citizens to protect their personal information and avoid registering SIM cards for other people.
As part of the broader reforms, the Director-General of the National Communications Authority, Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, announced the introduction of a Central Equipment Identity Register to help combat mobile phone theft.
Under the system, mobile devices will be classified using a colour-coded system:
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Green – approved devices
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Yellow – devices awaiting verification
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Red – blocked devices that cannot connect to any telecom network
According to Fianko, the system will combine data from all mobile network operators into a single national platform to prevent stolen or illegal devices from being used.
The new framework will also introduce a primary number verification system.
This means that any additional SIM card registered using a person’s Ghana Card must be approved through a one-time password sent to the individual’s primary mobile number.
“Once you approve it, you cannot deny the registration, so people must avoid doing this for others,” the minister cautioned.
Authorities say the new measures will apply to both Ghanaians living in the country and those abroad who can verify their identity. The reforms are expected to strengthen regulation in the telecommunications sector while reducing fraud and improving digital security nationwide.