Ghana and The Gambia have taken a significant step toward strengthening regional connectivity by forging a groundbreaking telecommunications partnership to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative.
This collaboration, facilitated by Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Mobile Network Operators, and the National Communications Authority (NCA), aims to enhance cross-border communication and foster economic growth.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, setting the stage for technical and regulatory discussions. These preparations will lead to the rollout of the ECOWAS Roaming Regulations by mid-2025.
Professor Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, Ghana’s Deputy Director General for Technical Operations, hailed the agreement as a critical move toward regional integration. Ghana’s success with similar arrangements in Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire underscores its dedication to affordable and accessible telecommunications across West Africa.
Solo Sima, Deputy Director General of The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, emphasized the initiative’s potential to generate employment and boost economic opportunities. He highlighted the importance of adaptable and consumer-centric regulations, especially as new technologies like 5G emerge.
Travelers between Ghana and The Gambia stand to gain from the partnership’s benefits, including:
- Local rates for voice calls and SMS, eliminating costly roaming charges.
- Free incoming calls across borders.
- Affordable local rates for internet services.
These features aim to ease travel, promote tourism, and support economic activity across the region.
The National Communications Authority has reinforced its role in safeguarding consumer rights and advancing technological solutions. Notable achievements include:
- Significant Market Power Regulations.
- SIM Registration and Mobile Number Portability initiatives.
- Innovations like UMTS 900 frequency implementation and Billing Verification Systems
These efforts align with the NCA’s mandate under the NCA Act to ensure accessible and reliable telecommunications for all citizens.
This partnership symbolizes more than just cost savings; it represents a unified vision for West Africa, where seamless communication fuels tourism, regional cooperation, and economic development.
As Ghana and The Gambia join hands, they further strengthen the foundation for a digitally integrated and economically robust ECOWAS region.
With similar agreements already benefiting citizens across Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, this initiative expands affordable telecommunications access and takes another step toward comprehensive digital integration in West Africa.