Sylvia Duruson
Ghana and The Gambia have forged a landmark telecommunications agreement to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative. The partnership, established through Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Mobile Network Operators, and the National Communications Authority, aims to revolutionize cross-border communication between the two nations.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for technical and regulatory discussions. These preparations will culminate in the launch of ECOWAS Roaming Regulations during the first half of 2025.
Professor Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, Ghana’s Deputy Director General for Technical Operations, highlighted this collaboration as crucial for regional integration. Ghana already maintains similar agreements with Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, demonstrating its commitment to expanding affordable telecommunications across West Africa.
The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Deputy Director General, Solo Sima, emphasized the initiative’s potential to generate employment and economic opportunities. He stressed the importance of maintaining flexible, customer-focused regulations while adapting to emerging technologies like 5G.
Under the agreement, citizens traveling between participating countries will enjoy significant benefits. These include local rates for voice calls and SMS services, eliminating expensive roaming charges. Additionally, travelers will receive incoming calls free of charge and access internet services at local rates.
The National Communications Authority’s involvement reflects its ongoing dedication to consumer protection and regional integration. The organization has previously implemented various consumer-friendly measures, including Significant Market Power Regulations, SIM Registration, and Mobile Number Portability.
Technical innovations have also been central to the NCA’s mission, with implementations including UMTS 900 frequency, Billing Verification Systems, and technological neutrality. These advancements support the fundamental rights guaranteed under the NCA Act.
This collaboration represents more than cost reduction – it symbolizes a commitment to creating a unified West Africa where communication facilitates tourism, economic growth, and regional unity. The extension of these benefits to Ghana-Gambia travelers will strengthen regional cooperation and enhance accessibility for all citizens.
The initiative builds upon existing successful partnerships within the ECOWAS region, where citizens already enjoy affordable telecommunications services across borders. This expansion marks another significant step toward comprehensive regional digital integration and economic development in West Africa.
