Sierra Leone’s telecommunications regulator is studying Ghana’s approach to 5G licensing, mobile number portability and consumer protection as it prepares to roll out next-generation digital services, underscoring growing regulatory cooperation across West Africa.
A delegation from Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NatCA) began a five-day operational benchmarking visit to Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) on July 13, with discussions focused on Ghana’s regulatory framework for 5G licensing, mobile virtual network operators, mobile number portability and consumer protection.
The visit comes as NatCA marks its 20th anniversary and seeks to accelerate reforms, including eSIM integration and a planned 5G deployment trial, while Ghana’s NCA celebrates 30 years as the country’s communications regulator.
“We are here to learn and take some valuable lessons away,” NatCA Director General Amara Brewah said during the opening session. “We always come here because we are one people and the challenges that you have are similar to what we have, so it is always a good thing to see what you are doing and learn from it.”
Brewah said Ghana’s longer regulatory experience would provide valuable insights as Sierra Leone modernizes its telecommunications sector and expands digital connectivity.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of NCA Director General Edmund Fianko, Deputy Director General for Managerial Operations Etta Mosore said the visit coincided with the Authority’s 30th anniversary, providing an opportunity for both regulators to exchange experiences.
“I think it is a great time to exchange experiences and learn from one another,” Mosore said. “We are pleased to welcome you and I am confident your visit will be both insightful and worthwhile.”
Mosore said the discussions would cover the NCA’s work on spectrum harmonisation, 5G licensing, broadcasting regulation, consumer protection, monitoring and enforcement, adding that cooperation between sister regulators strengthens institutional capacity and promotes regulatory excellence across the region.
The benchmarking programme is expected to feature technical presentations and knowledge-sharing sessions on regulatory and operational issues, reflecting broader efforts by African telecommunications regulators to harmonise policy frameworks and support the rollout of advanced digital infrastructure.
