NCA commits to addressing cybersecurity threats and SIM registration challenges affecting nationwide agent network
Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has pledged to address mounting security and operational challenges facing the country’s 12,000-strong mobile money agent network, following a high-level meeting between regulators and the Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana (MMAAG).
The meeting, hosted by NCA Director General Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko and led by MMAAG General Secretary Evans Otumfuor, highlighted critical vulnerabilities in Ghana’s digital financial infrastructure that threaten both agents and consumers.
Security Threats Top Agent Concerns
Mobile money agents raised urgent concerns about escalating fraud and cyberattacks targeting their operations. The Association emphasized how these security threats not only affect individual agents but undermine consumer confidence in Ghana’s rapidly growing digital payments ecosystem.
Additional operational challenges include difficulties with cross-platform mobile transactions, inflated SIM card pricing by some resellers, and persistent network disruptions that interrupt transaction processing.
SIM Registration Exercise Sparks Policy Questions
MMAAG sought clarity on the upcoming SIM registration exercise announced by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, requesting deeper involvement in policy formulation that affects their sector.
Rev. Ing. Fianko assured the delegation that the NCA is collaborating with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to ensure the new registration process addresses previous shortcomings and provides a seamless, user-friendly experience.
Multi-Agency Approach to Cybersecurity
On fraud prevention, the Director General recommended that MMAAG engage directly with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) as part of a comprehensive security strategy for digital financial services. This multi-agency approach reflects the complex nature of cybersecurity challenges in Ghana’s mobile money ecosystem.
The NCA committed to investigating all raised concerns within its regulatory mandate and pledged to include the Association in future policy initiatives affecting mobile money operations.
Strengthening Digital Financial Infrastructure
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to deepen collaboration to enhance consumer trust, improve service delivery, and secure the mobile money ecosystem. NCA Deputy Director General Sulemana Salifu and other management members participated in the discussions.
With over 12,000 agents nationwide, MMAAG represents a crucial link in Ghana’s digital financial inclusion efforts, providing essential services particularly in underserved communities where traditional banking infrastructure is limited.
The collaboration signals recognition of mobile money agents’ vital role in Ghana’s financial ecosystem and the need for regulatory support to address emerging challenges in the digital payments landscape.
