West African nations, Ghana and Gambia, mark a fresh chapter in their telecommunications sector with their new partnership.
Ghana and The Gambia have forged a telecommunications agreement to implement the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative, marking another significant step towards comprehensive regional digital integration and economic development in West Africa. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, paves the way for technical and regulatory discussions.
Professor Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, Ghana's Deputy Director General for Technical Operations, highlighted this collaboration as crucial for regional integration. He stressed the importance of maintaining flexible, customer-focused regulations while adapting to emerging technologies like 5G.
The agreement was established through Ghana's Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Mobile Network Operators, and the National Communications Authority (NCA). The NCA has previously implemented consumer-friendly measures such as Significant Market Power Regulations, SIM Registration, and Mobile Number Portability. Technical innovations, including UMTS 900 frequency, Billing Verification Systems, and technological neutrality, have been central to the NCA's mission.
The partnership aims to revolutionize cross-border communication between the two nations. Citizens traveling between participating countries will enjoy significant benefits, including local rates for voice calls and SMS services, eliminating expensive roaming charges, receiving incoming calls free of charge, and accessing internet services at local rates.
This expansion of the agreement marks a continuation of Ghana's existing successful partnerships within the ECOWAS region. Ghana already maintains similar agreements with Benin, Togo, and CoΜte d'Ivoire. Besides Ghana and The Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal, CΓ΄te d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone are also part of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative.
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.
The Gambia's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Deputy Director General, Solo Sima, emphasized the initiative's potential to generate employment and economic opportunities. He reaffirmed The Gambia's commitment to consumer protection and regional integration, as demonstrated by its involvement in the telecommunications agreement.
This collaboration represents more than cost reduction; it symbolizes a commitment to creating a unified West Africa for facilitating tourism, economic growth, and regional unity. These preparations will culminate in the launch of ECOWAS Roaming Regulations during the first half of 2025. The agreement reaffirms both countries' dedication to a connected and prosperous West Africa.
