Story: News Desk 

Policy think tank IMANI Africa has filed a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking full disclosure on the government’s planned nationwide SIM registration exercise set to begin in early 2026. 

The group said,  the move was  necessary to ensure transparency, legality, and data protection ahead of the rollout.

 In a request submitted on Monday, December 8, 2025, to the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, IMANI asked for documents covering the legal basis of the new registration regime, technical design, biometric verification systems, procurement records, and oversight arrangements. The request was received by the Minister’s secretary, the think tank confirmed.

IMANI said Ghanaians deserve clarity on how their biometric data will be collected, stored, and protected under the new system. It also raised concerns about governance, cost implications, and the role of private sector vendors expected to participate in the exercise.

The think tank cited Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution and the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which guarantees public access to information held by state institutions. It said its request aligns with efforts “to promote accountability and ensure that the exercise is conducted in the public interest.”

IMANI’s submission asked the ministry to disclose the legal instruments authorising the new SIM registry, the architecture of the verification process, details of vendors selected, and any agreements governing the management of citizens’ data.

According to IMANI, the RTI application was a proactive step to safeguard transparency and protect user rights before the exercise begins. The think tank added that public trust depends on clear assurances that data-sharing protocols and privacy safeguards meet national and international standards.