The Ghanaian government is set to introduce a groundbreaking SIM card-IMEI linking system that will tie every mobile SIM to its phone’s unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced on December 3, 2025.
The move aims to make fraud more costly and traceable, particularly in the booming mobile money sector.
Why Now? Rising Fraud Costs
Mobile money fraud has surged, with the Bank of Ghana reporting 13,451 financial fraud cases in 2023, 20% linked to mobile platforms. Scammers often swap SIMs for as little as GH¢10, evading blocks and continuing scams.
“Today, the cost of mobile money fraud is GH¢10 because once your number is reported and blocked, it only costs 10 cedis to get another SIM,” George explained. “We will block the SIM and the phone together so it becomes expensive to do fraud.”
The system will integrate with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) – a database to track stolen or counterfeit devices – and the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) biometric database, ensuring SIMs are verified against legitimate users.
How It Works
Biometric Verification: SIMs will link to Ghana Card biometrics for foolproof identity checks.
IMEI Sync: Each phone’s IMEI will be registered, allowing authorities to blacklist fraudulent devices nationwide.
Timeline: Legislation is expected in Parliament by October 2026, with a mass re-registration exercise planned for 2026.
This builds on past efforts, including the 2023 SIM registration drive that deactivated 9 million unregistered SIMs, but critics like IMANI Africa’s Bright Simons warn of potential procurement scandals and question the Ghana Card’s fraud-proof status.
Broader Impact
Boosted Trust: Easier transaction tracing to protect users.
Cybercrime Reduction: Targets SIM box fraud and identity theft.
Global Context: Ghana joins countries like Bangladesh with mandatory IMEI databases, amid debates on privacy vs. security.
The Ministry emphasized data protection for mobile money agents, a common fraud weak link. Implementation will involve telecom operators like MTN and Telecel.
George assured: “This initiative will strengthen Ghana’s digital ecosystem and restore confidence in our financial services.”
