Ministry Taking Steps to Combat Mobile Money Scams within Ghana's Communication Sector
In a bid to strengthen digital security and protect consumers, Hon. Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has announced plans to introduce a new, legally backed SIM registration framework. This initiative is part of a coordinated effort between the government, telecom operators, and community leaders.
The new SIM registration framework, to be presented as a Legislative Instrument (LI) when Parliament reconvenes in October, aims to address past flaws in SIM registration. It will involve biometric verification, device registration via a Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), and back-end synchronization with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to make fraudulent activity more difficult.
Church leaders are encouraged to educate congregants on safe mobile money practices, as mobile money PINs should never be disclosed. This emphasis on education is part of a broader public awareness campaign, in collaboration with Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs).
The Minister called for strict data protection by mobile money agents, acknowledging that company systems are secure, but vulnerabilities remain with these agents. To mitigate this, operational standards will be improved as part of the initiative.
Telecom representatives have affirmed their commitment to enhanced oversight, recognising the need for tighter regulations introduced by the Ministry through the National Communications Authority (NCA). Stakeholder engagement has discussed strategies for safeguarding citizens from digital exploitation, including efforts to tackle mobile money fraud in Ghana's telecommunications sector.
The SIM registration process will ensure SIMs are properly linked with the NIA's biometric database, adding an extra layer of security. The Minister emphasised that fraudsters exploit poor data management, and this new framework is designed to combat such exploitation.
This push for digital security is a significant step towards protecting consumers and ensuring the safe use of mobile money services in Ghana. As the country continues to embrace digital technology, it is crucial that measures are put in place to safeguard its citizens and maintain trust in the digital ecosystem.
