Ghana to Blacklist Fraudulent Mobile Devices Through New CEIR System to Curb Digital Crime

Ghana to Blacklist Fraudulent Mobile Devices Through New CEIR System to Curb Digital Crime

The Government of Ghana is preparing to roll out a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) that will permanently link mobile phones to SIM cards, making it possible to blacklist devices involved in fraud or cybercrime. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle growing digital threats and reduce the widespread use of unregistered or stolen mobile devices in criminal activities.

The announcement was made by Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, during an interview with the media.

According to Mr. George, the CEIR system will render any mobile device used for illegal activity completely unusable across all networks, even if the SIM card is replaced. This, he said, will significantly deter digital criminals who often bypass security blocks by changing SIM cards.

What is the CEIR and How Will It Work?

The CEIR system functions by capturing and recording the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of every device during SIM card registration. Each mobile phone has a unique IMEI, which can now be permanently associated with a specific SIM card and user record.

Under this system, when a SIM card is deactivated for engaging in fraudulent activity, the device’s IMEI will also be blacklisted. This means the phone cannot be used again on any telecom network in Ghana, regardless of the SIM card inserted.

Mr. George emphasized that the technology closes a major loophole in Ghana’s digital security landscape.

“When we only block the SIM, the fraudster simply inserts another card and continues. But once the device is blacklisted, it becomes a worthless piece of hardware,” he said.

The rapid digital transformation in Ghana has come with a rise in cybercrime and telecom fraud. Mobile money scams, phishing attempts, identity theft, and fake promotional schemes are increasingly common. Criminals often use unregistered or cloned phones and rotate SIM cards to stay undetected.

According to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), more than 8,000 cybercrime cases were reported in 2023 alone. Mobile money fraud was among the most prevalent, accounting for a significant proportion of financial losses by individuals and small businesses.

While the nationwide SIM re-registration exercise launched in 2022 helped to clean up the system by requiring biometric verification, many fraudsters continue to operate by changing devices. The CEIR policy directly targets this vulnerability.

The CEIR policy is expected to be laid before Parliament in the coming months as part of a broader package of digital security regulations. Once approved, it will be rolled out in collaboration with the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) such as MTN Ghana, Vodafone, and Telecel.

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation is already in talks with technical partners to ensure the CEIR platform is compatible with existing telecom infrastructure. Pilot testing is expected to begin early next year, with full implementation anticipated by the end of 2026.

“We’re not doing this in isolation. The policy is being shaped with full input from industry players to ensure seamless integration,” Mr. George said.

Telecom fraud has had serious economic and emotional consequences for Ghanaians. In recent years, multiple arrests have been made in connection with SIM swap scams and fake mobile investment schemes. In a 2024 case, a fraud ring in Kumasi was found to be using over 200 cloned devices to impersonate customers and steal mobile money funds.

Under the CEIR system, these devices would be permanently barred from reentering the network, even if resold or modified. This could significantly reduce the profitability and sustainability of such schemes.

The government has indicated that public education campaigns will accompany the CEIR rollout. These will inform users about how to check their device IMEI status, how to report stolen phones, and how to avoid purchasing blacklisted devices from second-hand sellers.

Ghana’s move to adopt a CEIR system aligns with international trends in mobile device regulation. Countries like India, Nigeria, and Kenya have implemented similar systems to prevent mobile-related fraud and theft. In Nigeria, the deployment of CEIR in 2021 led to a noticeable drop in the use of stolen phones and improved coordination among telecom operators.

By adopting CEIR, Ghana joins this growing list of countries leveraging digital tools to secure their telecom space and build trust in digital financial systems.

While the CEIR system has received praise from digital security experts, its implementation may face some initial challenges. These include potential privacy concerns, enforcement issues, and the need for robust technical infrastructure.

Critics have also raised concerns about how to manage users who unknowingly buy second-hand phones with blacklisted IMEI numbers. The Ministry has assured the public that a real-time IMEI verification portal will be made available to help consumers verify the legitimacy of their devices before purchase.

As Ghana continues its digital transformation journey, securing the mobile ecosystem is essential for protecting citizens and ensuring confidence in online transactions. The upcoming CEIR system presents a major opportunity to close long-standing loopholes that have allowed fraudsters to operate with ease.

If implemented effectively, the initiative could significantly curb mobile fraud and position Ghana as a leader in telecom security on the African continent.

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