The National Communications Authority (NCA) has started implementing the ECOWAS “Free Roaming Initiative” to reduce the cost of telecommunication services for citizens travelling outside the country.

The agreement currently among Ghana, Benin and Togo, would allow citizens in those countries to make and receive calls, send SMS, and access the internet, at an affordable rate by Mobile Network Operators.

Mr Charles Acheampong, Deputy Minister of Communication, speaking at the launch in Accra, said the initiative would deepen the existing relationship among Ghana, Benin, and Togo.

He noted that the “Free Roaming” initiative would enable “affordable and seamless” communication across the three West African borders and allow citizens to stay connected “without the burden of high roaming charges or the inconvenience of [owning] multiple SIM cards.”

“By enabling affordable and seamless communication across our borders, we are not only enhancing the convenience of travel and business but also strengthening the social and economic fabric of our nations.

“…This initiative symbolises our dedication to advancing and strengthening regional integration within the ECOWAS community. It also reinforces the ECOWAS treaty’s ideals and demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration,” he stated.

Beyond communication, he said the arrangement would have a rippling effect on cross-border trade, economic activities, and encourage more travels within the ECOWAS sub-region.

Mr Acheampong called for “stability and security” of telecommunication networks while the ECOWAS “Free Roaming Initiative” was being implemented.

“Cybersecurity threats are a reality in the digital age and it is incumbent upon us to implement robust measures to protect the privacy and data of our citizens. By working together, sharing best practices, and investing in technological advancements, we can create a secure and resilient regional communication ecosystem,” he said.

He commended implementing partners in Ghana, Benin and Togo, and urged other West African countries yet to implement the initiative to come on board.

The Deputy Minister tasked stakeholders to adopt measures, including conducting customer surveys and establishing “Billing Feedback Systems” to monitor the success of the initiative.

Dr Joe Anokye, Director General, NCA, said the Authority would monitor usage of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative and gather feedback to inform future regulatory actions and decisions.

Praising collaboration between the three countries, he said NCA and Mobile Telecommunication Companies would take steps to inform the public about the initiative.

Mr Yaw Boamah Baafi, Vice Chair, ECOWAS Roaming Implementation Committee, Ghana, explained that that “Free Roaming Initiative” would last for 30 days or 300 minutes, as indicated in specific guidelines.

He said aspects of the arrangement would allow citizens outside their home countries to receive calls without charges, and that discussions were ongoing in other African countries towards implementation of the initiative.

Present at the launch were Mr Herve Guedegbe, Executive Secretary, ARCEP-Benin, Mr Michel Yaovi Galley, Director General of ARCEP-Togo, and representatives from telecommunication companies in Ghana, Benin and Togo, who shared their excitement about the initiative.