Ghana and The Gambia have entered a groundbreaking telecommunications agreement to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative, which will be launched in 2025. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, will pave the way for regulatory and technical discussions leading to the rollout of ECOWAS Roaming Regulations in the first half of 2025.
Ghana’s Deputy Director General for Technical Operations, Professor Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, emphasized the significance of the collaboration for regional integration, highlighting Ghana’s existing agreements with Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire. This new initiative aims to provide affordable telecommunications across West Africa, further strengthening the region’s connectivity.
Solo Sima, Deputy Director General of The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, noted that the initiative would create economic opportunities and jobs. He stressed the need for customer-focused, flexible regulations that can adapt to advancements in technology, including 5G.
The agreement will offer major benefits to citizens traveling between the participating countries, such as local rates for voice calls, SMS, and internet access, alongside free incoming calls. These initiatives eliminate costly roaming charges and enhance accessibility.
The National Communications Authority’s (NCA) involvement reflects its commitment to consumer protection and regional integration. Past initiatives by the NCA, such as SIM Registration and Mobile Number Portability, have supported consumer rights and technological advancements.
This collaboration represents a significant step toward achieving a unified West Africa, where enhanced communication will foster tourism, economic growth, and regional unity. Expanding affordable telecommunications in the ECOWAS region is a critical part of driving digital integration and economic development in West Africa.
