Ghana’s leading telecom operator, MTN Ghana, is backing a phased, digitally coordinated SIM re-registration exercise as the government prepares for a fresh rollout aimed at strengthening national security and subscriber protection.
MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, said the company is fully aligned with the government’s objectives and is working closely with regulators to ensure a smooth process.
“The Minister called us into a meeting, and he briefed the whole industry, not just MTN, about what they want to achieve. He was very clear that this is the last time and wanted to do it well. So we support that, and the way we execute it will be very important,” he said.
The exercise, led by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, seeks to link SIM cards to the National Identification Authority database to curb fraud, identity theft, and other cyber-related crimes.
Mr. Blewett, who spoke to the media on the sidelines of the company’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Accra, stressed that proper planning will be key to ensuring efficiency and convenience for subscribers.
“It’s not going to be SIM re-registration in one day because that will be chaotic for our country. We have to plan it properly, even use digital means to book appointments,” he noted.
He added that the exercise is also critical for individual security. “You want to make sure that the fingerprint and the face match… You don’t want someone else taking your SIM and using it for nefarious reasons.”
On cost, he indicated MTN will manage within existing resources. “No matter what comes our way, we have to manage it within the budget we have; if that means we have to tighten the belt, we will do that.”
MTN Ghana says it will continue to prioritise efficiency as it supports the nationwide exercise.
Sam George: SIM re-registration will come at no cost to taxpayers
