IMANI demands details on 2026 SIM Registration plan

The IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has formally requested detailed information from the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations regarding the Government’s upcoming nationwide SIM registration exercise expected to begin in early 2026.

The think tank filed the Right to Information request on Monday, December 8, 2025, seeking clarity on how the programme will be designed, funded and managed.

IMANI’s letter, which was received by the Minister’s secretary, asks the ministry to release documents explaining the legal basis for the new registration system, the technical framework, procurement processes and the institutional roles of agencies and private vendors.

The organisation says these details are essential to help the public understand how their personal data will be used and protected throughout the rollout.

Public conversations have intensified in recent weeks as many citizens question why another SIM registration exercise is necessary and what it means for privacy, especially with biometric verification likely to be central to the process.

Several civil society groups have also raised questions about transparency and cost.

IMANI noted that its request is grounded in Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution and the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which guarantees the public’s right to access information from state institutions.

The organisation said it expects full cooperation from the ministry to ensure that the process is open and accountable.

“We believe timely information will help citizens understand the intentions behind the programme and strengthen trust in its implementation,” IMANI stated in its submission.

The think tank maintains that clear data-protection measures, disclosure of selected vendors, and transparent verification procedures are important to assuring Ghanaians that the exercise will be carried out responsibly and in line with both national and international safeguards.