The Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Charles Acheampong, has officially launched a bilateral Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Free Roaming initiative between Ghana &Togo and Ghana & Benin.

The event held at the NCA Tower on 9th October, 2024, follows the successful implementation of the ECOWAS Roaming Initiative between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, where citizens of both countries can now use mobile services in each other's countries without incurring international roaming charges.

Addressing participants at the event, Hon. Charles Acheampong stated that the launch of the ECOWAS Roaming marks a new chapter in the relationship that has existed between Ghana and its neighbours, in this particular case with Togo and Benin. He said that the Initiative underscores the shared vision of West Africa, where borders do not impede communication, business, or social interactions.

“This Initiative will allow our citizens to stay connected seamlessly, without the burden of high roaming charges or the inconvenience of multiple SIMs,” he said.

Hon. Acheampong added that this arrangement will eliminate additional fees and offer substantial cost savings to citizens for the first 30 consecutive days of their stay in the visiting countries, thereby encouraging more travel, and a more unified and interconnected region.

He further urged the NCA to set clear metrics to gauge the success of the ECOWAS Roaming Initiative. “Only by measuring our progress can we ensure that we are delivering on the promises made to our citizens and achieving the intended outcomes,” he added.

In his welcome address to the participants, Dr. Joe Anokye, Director General of the NCA, said that the launch represents more than just a technological achievement. He asserted that it embodies a shared commitment to bringing the people of West Africa closer together, starting with our own nations. Reflecting on the journey of the ECOWAS Roaming Initiative, he highlighted its origin from a common vision to establish a seamless communication environment across ECOWAS states. He went further to say that the success of this Initiative is a testament to the diligent efforts and unwavering dedication of the Implementation Committees from Ghana, Benin, and Togo.

The Executive Secretary of Benin's Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP BENIN), Dr. Hervé Coovi Guedegbe, in his remarks at the event acknowledged that the launch does not only signify a major advancement in cooperation between Benin and Ghana but also marks a vital step in regional integration within ECOWAS. He reiterated that this launch is a decisive move towards a more united, connected, and prosperous West Africa.

On his part, Mr. Michel Yaovi Galley, Director General of Togo’s Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications (ARCEP Togo), expressed his appreciation for the sense of duty and responsibility demonstrated by key Regulatory Authority leaders, particularly the Director General of Ghana’s NCA and the Executive Secretary of ARCEP Benin, for finding the means to achieve the bilateral implementation of the ECOWAS regulation in the best interest of all consumers and the populace across the region.

He went on to appreciate the efforts of the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Ghana, Benin and Togo stating that, the ECOWAS Roaming Initiative would not have been possible without their cooperation.

The MNOs of the three (3) countries also pledged their support for the Initiative and gave assurance of their responsibility for the success of the project.

The Authority seizes this opportunity to express its appreciation to the MoCD for its support and direction and looks forward to establishing more bilateral agreements with other ECOWAS member states for the benefit of the Ghanaian Populace.