Ghana announces digital reforms including biometric SIM verification and 5G rollout

Ghana is advancing several digital and telecommunications initiatives aimed at improving security and connectivity. Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced that biometric verification for SIM card registration is expected to begin by the end of 2026 to combat fraud and improve subscriber identification.

In terms of infrastructure, the government plans to upgrade rural telephony sites to at least 4G to bridge the digital divide. Additionally, 5G spectrum assignment and deployment are projected to commence by December 2026. MTN Ghana has committed over $1.1 billion over the next three years to support network expansion and 5G rollout.

Other regulatory and service updates include a new $7,000 monthly tariff for television stations on the National Digital Terrestrial Television platform starting in 2027, and a review of 15 ICT-related laws. On the logistics front, Ghana Post has transitioned into a modern e-commerce enabler, having delivered over 190,000 passports since May 2025.