Ghana is doubling down on its digital transformation with a sweeping overhaul of its SIM card registration system and a landmark Startups Bill, as announced by Minister of Communications and Digital Technology Sam George in a July 3 press briefing.
The moves aim to curb cybercrime, streamline telecom regulations, and position Ghana as a hub for African innovation.
SIM Registration Gets a Security Makeover
Ghana’s SIM registration system, unchanged since 2010, is undergoing a major revamp to tackle rising cybercrime and outdated regulations.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) is rolling out a three-phase plan to modernize the process, starting with biometric validation to clean up fraudulent or duplicate registrations, followed by stricter controls on new SIM activations, and concluding with verification of business SIMs and deactivation of non-compliant records.
The overhaul, backed by a new Legislative Instrument (LI) headed to Parliament, integrates secure APIs with telecom operators and Ghana Revenue Service systems.
It’s designed to combat device theft, reduce roaming costs, and boost regional connectivity with Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“There is nobody who can break into your mobile money wallet if you don’t give them your PIN,” George warned, addressing rampant social engineering scams targeting mobile money users.
The initiative, slated to begin July 1, 2025, is part of a broader cybersecurity push.
Recent operations by Ghana’s Cybersecurity Authority led to over 400 arrests, including a Tamale bust seizing 4,000 phones and firearms. George urged citizens to avoid sharing sensitive data, emphasizing that no legitimate entity will request PINs over the phone.
Startups Bill Nears Finish Line
Meanwhile, the Ghana Startups Bill, submitted to Parliament in March 2025, is on track for passage by December.
Now in its final legal drafting phase, the bill promises legal clarity, tax breaks, and simplified compliance for startups, aiming to attract local and global investors.
“We’re building a competitive, investor-ready digital economy driven by local entrepreneurship,” George said.
The bill aligns with Ghana’s hosting of the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November, expected to draw 10,000 attendees from 70 countries. It also supports programs like the Ghana Digital Center, which trained 219 youths in data analytics and software development, placing them in internships.
The legislation is part of a broader package of 15 new tech laws, including measures on AI and cybersecurity, reinforcing Ghana’s ambition to become Africa’s innovation hub by 2028.
Why It Matters
The SIM registration overhaul targets Ghana’s growing cybercrime problem, particularly in mobile money, while enhancing telecom efficiency.
The Startups Bill, paired with initiatives like a $1 billion UAE deal for an AI hub, signals Ghana’s intent to lead Africa’s digital economy. Together, these efforts aim to make digital access a right, not a luxury, for all Ghanaians.
