The National Communications Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), has advanced discussions with stakeholders in The Gambia to promote the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative.
This ambitious project aims to significantly lower the cost of telecommunications services for citizens traveling between Ghana and The Gambia. It also seeks to foster seamless communication, strengthen socio-economic ties, and enhance regional integration.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, Deputy Director General (Technical Operations) of the NCA and head of the Ghanaian delegation, underscored the importance of the partnership. He described the initiative as a significant milestone in advancing regional integration and connectivity within West Africa.
Prof. Yeboah-Boateng highlighted Ghana’s leadership in the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative, referencing existing bilateral roaming agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin. “This collaboration with The Gambia marks the next phase in extending affordable telecom services across the region,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the initiative represents more than just cost reductions for telecom services. It symbolizes a collective commitment to creating a West Africa where communication barriers are dismantled, fostering economic growth, promoting tourism, and strengthening regional unity.
The ongoing negotiations are expected to culminate on November 21, 2024, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement will enable MNOs from both countries to engage in technical and regulatory dialogues.
The ultimate goal is to implement and launch the ECOWAS Roaming Regulations by the first half of 2025.
The initiative builds on Ghana’s proactive approach to regional connectivity, supported by the NCA’s consumer protection frameworks and its track record in enhancing telecommunications services.
Over the years, the NCA has implemented numerous measures such as the Billing Feedback Message system, Significant Market Power (SMP) Regulations, SIM Registration, and Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
These initiatives, alongside advancements like the deployment of UMTS 900 frequencies, Billing Verification Systems, NCA CERT, and the promotion of technology neutrality, highlight the authority’s dedication to safeguarding consumer rights and improving service quality.
Optimism from The Gambia
Representing The Gambia, Mr. Solo Sima, Deputy Director General of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), echoed similar sentiments.
He expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative, noting its role in connecting Africa and creating employment and business opportunities.
Mr. Sima urged stakeholders to remain agile and consumer-focused while adapting to the rapid evolution of telecommunications technologies, including the emerging rollout of 5G networks.
“It is imperative that agreements such as these stay relevant and flexible in the face of technological advancements,” he remarked.
The ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative is not a new concept in the region. Ghana has already established agreements with neighboring countries like Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, bringing significant benefits to their citizens.
The ongoing discussions in The Gambia aim to extend these benefits, ensuring that citizens traveling between Ghana and The Gambia can enjoy similar advantages.
The ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote regional integration through telecommunications.
Affordable and seamless communication is a critical component of this vision, as it facilitates cross-border trade, enhances social connections, and fosters a sense of unity among member states.
While the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative presents significant opportunities, there are challenges to address. These include harmonizing regulatory frameworks across countries, ensuring infrastructure readiness, and adapting agreements to accommodate emerging technologies like 5G.
However, the commitment displayed by stakeholders, including Ghana’s NCA and The Gambia’s PURA, demonstrates a strong resolve to overcome these obstacles. The upcoming MoU signing and subsequent technical discussions will lay the groundwork for addressing these issues comprehensively.
The collaboration between Ghana and The Gambia on the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative is a testament to the shared vision of fostering economic growth, social integration, and technological advancement in West Africa.
As the discussions progress, this partnership stands as a beacon of regional cooperation, promising a future where communication is seamless, inclusive, and affordable for all citizens.
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