The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and local Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), is leading negotiations with stakeholders in The Gambia to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative. This collaborative effort aims to reduce communication costs for citizens traveling between Ghana and The Gambia, thereby promoting smoother exchanges and enhancing both economic and social interactions. The discussions commenced on November 19, 2024, and are set to culminate in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by November 21, 2024. The MOU is expected to initiate technical and regulatory dialogues among MNOs, which will pave the way for the launch of the ECOWAS Roaming Regulations in the first half of 2025. This initiative underscores the NCA’s commitment to consumer protection and deepening regional integration in the telecommunications sector.
Over time, the NCA has introduced numerous consumer protection measures, including the Billing Feedback Message and Significant Market Power (SMP) Regulations. Other initiatives such as SIM Registration and Mobile Number Portability (MNP) have reinforced consumer rights as defined in the NCA Act. During the meeting, Prof. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, NCA’s Deputy Director General (Technical Operations), stressed the importance of the current dialogue in facilitating regional connectivity. He highlighted Ghana’s previous successes in establishing bilateral roaming agreements with neighboring countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin—and emphasized that the collaboration with The Gambia is a significant progression toward providing affordable telecom services throughout the region.
Prof. Yeboah-Boateng also reiterated that the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative is more than just a cost-reduction strategy; it represents a shared commitment to fostering a West Africa where communication is efficient, inclusive, and can stimulate economic growth, tourism, and unity among nations. This vision aligns with broader goals for regional integration, emphasizing that enhanced communication can lead to stronger ties among West African countries. His remarks set a positive tone for the discussions and underlined the urgency and necessity of establishing reliable communication frameworks across the region.
Mr. Solo Sima, Deputy Director General of The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), expressed optimism about the potential impacts of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative on connectivity and economic opportunity in Africa. He urged all regulatory bodies to consider the influence of emerging technologies, such as 5G, ensuring that future agreements remain dynamic and focus on meeting consumer needs. His contributions highlight the importance of adaptability in regulatory frameworks, especially given the swift pace of technological advancement in the telecommunications sector.
Currently, Ghana has active ECOWAS Free Roaming agreements with Benin and Togo, which allow citizens of these countries to access affordable telecommunications services while traveling. For instance, Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo enjoy local rates for SMS and calls, end the burden of roaming charges for receiving calls, and can access the internet at local resident prices. These benefits create an environment conducive to business and social interactions across borders. The upcoming discussions aim to extend these advantages to citizens traveling between Ghana and The Gambia, further solidifying the region’s commitment to cooperation and economic integration.
Overall, the meetings emphasize a collective effort to enhance regional telecommunications and promote the free movement of people and services. By reducing costs and improving connectivity, ECOWAS Free Roaming seeks to stimulate economic growth and unity among member states. The anticipated MOU will lay the groundwork for technical negotiations among MNOs, ultimately leading to the implementation of a system that benefits not only consumers but the wider regional economy. As stakeholders prepare for the next steps, the focus remains on building an inclusive and efficient telecommunications framework that supports West Africa’s development in the digital age.
