on order to abolish and replace the current Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Regulations, 2001 (L.I 2006), the National Communications Authority (NCA) has extended the deadline for public input on the new Number Registration Regulations, 2025. The deadline has been rescheduled from November 14, 2025, to January 2, 2026. The NCA stated, “The public consultation period has been extended to January 2, 2026, in addition to the earlier deadline for the consultation (14th November, 2025).
Since the public was more interested in the Draft Cybersecurity Regulation
Since the public was more interested in the Draft Cybersecurity Regulation than in the 14 other sector legislations that were in the works, it became necessary to extend the deadline because there was very little interest in that specific draft LI. However, the public’s excitement in the upcoming SIM registration has increased in recent days, especially since Sam George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, declared that it will begin early next year.
The NCA claims that at least five of the new regulations are meant to set the tone
The NCA claims that at least five of the new regulations are meant to set the tone for the impending SIM registration. Read more on GVA to Launch High-Speed FTTH Internet in Ghana
bolster Ghana’s institutional and legal structure for number registration; Improve consumer protection, data governance, and institutional cooperation in subscriber information management; Establish strict guidelines for the legitimate processing of registration data, identity verification, and authentication; Encourage accessibility and inclusion in number registration for all individuals, especially marginalised and underprivileged groups; and Assure the accountability, security, and integrity of the registration database and national numbering resources.
As a result, the NCA is seeking feedback on the proposed Number Registration Regulations, 2025
As a result, the NCA is seeking feedback on the proposed Number Registration Regulations, 2025 from licensed service providers, industry stakeholders, civil society groups, consumers, and the general public.
It stated that this invitation complies with Section 4.1 of the National Telecommunications Policy 2005 (NTP’05), Section 5(h) of the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), and Section 27 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
According to the NCA, all comments and responses must be sent electronically
According to the NCA, all comments and responses must be sent electronically to info@nca.org.gh as Microsoft Word attachments. They must also include a completed response cover sheet, which is located on page iii of this document.
Respondents are urged to indicate the areas they agree or disagree with. All answers will be regarded as non-confidential in the interest of transparency, it stated.
The NCA will finalise the Number Registration Regulations, 2025
You give the NCA permission to utilise your response’s copyright and any related intellectual property to fulfil its legal duties. The NCA will finalise the Number Registration Regulations, 2025 after the public comment is over.
In the meantime, the Minister has already declared that a procurement procedure is underway
In the meantime, the Minister has already declared that a procurement procedure is underway to find a private sector organisation to collaborate with the NCA, the National Identification Authority (NIA), and the telcos to implement SIM registration before the draft rule is sent to Parliament for approval.
According to Tink Tank IMANI African
According to Tink Tank IMANI African, it has been informed by government sources that the Minister is forcing Transactly, a particular company, on the stakeholders for the SIM Registration assignment.
However, the Minister has refuted that accusation and requested that IMANI present evidence or face civil litigation.
We have also discovered that there is a chance that a private sector organisation
We have also discovered that there is a chance that a private sector organisation other than the telecom companies will be involved in the process. The Minister has acknowledged this, but he disputes forcing Transactly, a firm, on the other parties.
Nonetheless, he has stated that he will assist regional organisations in taking on important responsibilities in the digital industry. Additionally, he stated that the telcos, not the government, will cover the cost of the next SIM registration.
In the meantime, IMANI Africa has submitted a comprehensive Right to Information (RTI) request
In the meantime, IMANI Africa has submitted a comprehensive Right to Information (RTI) request to the minister, requesting complete disclosure of the SIM registration completed by the previous administration, the expenses incurred by the state and the telcos, and the location of the biometric data gathered by KelniGVG, a private sector player.
Regarding the whereabouts of the biodata
Regarding the whereabouts of the biodata, the Minister has been providing the public with contradictory information. He said earlier in the year that nobody knew where the data was, but more recently, he claimed that it was dispersed throughout all of the telecom companies.
However, the truthful people at NCA and the National Information Technology Authority (NITA) acknowledge that NCA has complete control over all of that data, which is stored at the National Data Centre.
However, according to the minister’s remarks
which was lacking during the last SIM Registration, which Ghanaians are now being informed was a complete waste of time and money. trusts that in the spirit of accountability and a commitment to prevent another time and money wasting episode, the Minister, and by extension, the government will champion full disclosure around this process to ensure that there is value for money and no unnecessary bureaucracies are and cronies are introduced into the process just to siphon money into private pockets.
IMANI Africa is requesting FULL TRANSPARENCY
IMANI Africa is requesting FULL TRANSPARENCY, which was lacking during the last SIM Registration, which Ghanaians are now being informed was a complete waste of time and money.
Trusts that in the spirit of accountability and a commitment to prevent another time and money wasting episode, the Minister, and by extension, the government will champion full disclosure around this process to ensure that there is value for money and no unnecessary bureaucracies are and cronies are introduced into the process just to siphon money into private pockets.
Conclusion
The consultation aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective SIM registration regulations while addressing public concerns and protecting data interests. read a related topic on Government of Ghana Launches Initiative Giving Students Free AI Access
