IMANI Africa Files RTI Request Seeking Full Disclosure on 2026 SIM Registration Exercise

Policy think tank IMANI Africa has formally requested detailed information from the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations regarding the government’s planned nationwide SIM registration exercise set to begin in early 2026.

The Right to Information (RTI) request, submitted on Monday, December 8, seeks clarity on the legal basis, technical setup, procurement processes, and data protection frameworks governing what is expected to be one of the country’s largest digital identity operations. IMANI confirmed that the Ministry acknowledged receipt of the request through the Minister’s secretary.

In its application, IMANI demanded access to all legal instruments authorising the new registration regime—such as regulations, directives, policy guidelines, and any statutory provisions underpinning the rollout.

The think tank also requested comprehensive information on the technical and biometric verification systems to be deployed, including vendor agreements, procurement documents, selection criteria, and institutional oversight arrangements.

IMANI cited growing public concerns about transparency, data security and the involvement of private contractors in handling citizens’ biometric data as key motivations for the inquiry. It stressed that Ghanaians deserve clear assurances about how their personal information will be collected, stored, processed and protected.

The request was filed in accordance with Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution and the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), both of which guarantee citizens’ access to information held by public institutions.

According to IMANI, the objective of the request is to promote accountability, ensure public confidence in the process and encourage a SIM registration framework that aligns with global best practices in transparency and data governance.

The Ministry is expected to respond within the statutory timelines provided under the RTI Act.

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