Ghana’s Tech Landscape: NCA Audits Reveal SIM Data Gaps as MTN and Telecel Drive Innovation

Ghana’s telecommunications sector is currently navigating a period of significant transition, marked by a critical focus on data integrity and infrastructure expansion. The National Communications Authority (NCA) recently disclosed startling findings from an audit of SIM card registration data collected between 2021 and 2023. According to Director-General Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, a sample of 2 million registrations revealed zero matches between fingerprints in the telecom database and the National Identification Authority (NIA) database. While facial recognition showed a higher success rate of 81.1%, the overall discrepancies among the nation’s 40 million registered SIM cards have prompted preparations for a comprehensive re-registration exercise to ensure national security and data accuracy.

In response to the need for more secure and efficient mobile services, MTN Ghana has launched a pioneering Self-Service SIM Swap initiative in Ho. This digital solution allows customers to independently manage SIM swaps using advanced biometric facial verification, effectively bypassing the long queues typically found at service centers. With MTN processing approximately 250,000 SIM swaps monthly, this 24/7 service aims to enhance customer convenience while bolstering fraud protection. The launch follows a successful pilot program involving over 18,000 participants and aligns with the company's broader strategy to drive digital transformation across the country.

Parallel to security enhancements, the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) is intensifying efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. During the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, GIFEC CEO Tanko Rashid Computer met with Huawei Technologies executives, including VP Li Junfeng, to discuss the expansion of 3G and 4G services to underserved communities. The collaboration focuses on deploying upgraded masts and advanced infrastructure solutions designed specifically for remote environments. These enhancements are viewed as vital for boosting socio-economic development and ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach every corner of Ghana.

Beyond infrastructure and security, the industry is also investing heavily in human capital and gender parity in technology. Telecel Ghana, under the leadership of CEO Ing. Patricia Obo Nai, has launched the "She Codes" initiative to train 1,000 girls in coding and digital skills. This program, held in honor of International Women’s Month, is part of a larger commitment to train 100,000 Ghanaians through the One Million Coders Programme. By fostering STEM careers among young women, these initiatives aim to address the tech industry's gender gap and prepare a new generation of Ghanaians for the evolving digital landscape, ensuring the nation's technological growth is both inclusive and sustainable.