Ghana Ministry of Communication Moves to Curb Mobile Money Fraud
This initiative marks a coordinated effort between government, telecom operators, and community leaders to strengthen digital security and protect consumers across the country.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has intensified efforts to tackle criminality in Ghana’s telecommunications sector, particularly targeting the rising cases of mobile money fraud. The Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), held a stakeholder engagement yesterday with telecommunications companies and the National Association of Concerned Clergy to discuss strategies for safeguarding citizens from digital exploitation.
Speaking at the Ministry’s conference room, Hon. Nartey George announced plans to introduce a new, legally backed SIM registration framework. The framework, to be presented as a Legislative Instrument (LI) when Parliament reconvenes in October, will address past flaws and ensure SIMs are properly linked with the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) biometric database. The process will include biometric verification, device registration via a Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), and back-end synchronization with the NIA to make fraudulent activity more difficult.
The Minister emphasized the need for strict data protection by mobile money agents, noting that fraudsters exploit poor data management. He also called on church leaders to educate congregants on safe mobile money practices, including never disclosing PINs.
Telecom representatives, including Dr. David Sefa of AT Money, affirmed their commitment to enhanced oversight and said that while company systems are secure, vulnerabilities remain with mobile money agents. The Ministry, through the National Communications Authority (NCA), plans to introduce tighter regulations, improve operational standards, and increase public awareness campaigns in collaboration with Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs).
This initiative marks a coordinated effort between government, telecom operators, and community leaders to strengthen digital security and protect consumers across the country.
