Ghana and The Gambia recently made a significant move towards enhancing telecommunications in the region by forming a groundbreaking agreement to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative. This partnership, facilitated by Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Mobile Network Operators, and the National Communications Authority, aims to revolutionize cross-border communication between the two countries.
The formalized agreement, established through a Memorandum of Understanding, sets the stage for technical and regulatory discussions that will lead to the launch of ECOWAS Roaming Regulations in the first half of 2025. Professor Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, Ghana’s Deputy Director General for Technical Operations, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for regional integration. Ghana has already established similar agreements with Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, demonstrating its commitment to expanding affordable telecommunications services across West Africa.
Solo Sima, Deputy Director General of The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, highlighted the potential of this initiative to create employment and economic opportunities. He emphasized the importance of maintaining customer-focused regulations while adapting to emerging technologies such as 5G.
Citizens traveling between the two countries under this agreement will benefit from 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 underscores its dedication to consumer protection and regional integration, as evidenced by previous consumer-friendly measures and technical innovations.
This collaboration goes beyond mere cost reduction; it signifies a commitment to building a unified West Africa where communication facilitates tourism, economic growth, and regional unity. By extending these benefits to Ghana-Gambia travelers, the partnership will strengthen regional cooperation and enhance accessibility for all citizens.
The initiative builds upon successful partnerships within the ECOWAS region, where citizens already enjoy affordable telecommunications services across borders. This expansion represents a significant step towards comprehensive regional digital integration and economic development in West Africa.
Overall, the Ghana-Gambia partnership to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative signals a positive step towards enhancing telecommunications services and fostering regional cooperation in West Africa.
(Source: https://techpression.com/ghana-gambia-partners-to-implement-ecowas-free-roaming-initiative)
