Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Gambia today to enhance the implementation of ECOWAS free foaming initiative.

The NCA said in a statement that the MOU will allow MNOs to start technical and regulatory negotiations, which will eventually lead to the implementation and deployment of the ECOWAS roaming laws in the first half of 2025.

The Ghanaian and The Gambian delegations have been meeting since Tuesday, and the meeting concludes today with the signing of the MOU.

According to the NCA, the aim of this initiative is to reduce the cost of telecommunications services for citizens traveling between Ghana and the Gambia, promoting seamless communication and strengthening economic and social ties.

During his opening remarks, Prof. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, NCA's deputy director general (Technical Operations) and leader of the Ghana delegation, stated that the meeting is a significant step toward regional integration.

He acknowledged Ghana's leadership in strengthening regional connectivity, highlighting 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 said.

Prof. Yeboah-Boateng went on to say that, in addition to cost savings, collaboration represents a shared commitment to creating an inclusive, seamless communication system that promotes economic growth, tourism, and unity in West Africa.

Solo Sima, deputy director general of The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, expressed optimism at the meeting that the ECOWAS free roaming Initiative would help to connect Africa while also creating employment and business opportunities.

He asked regulators to evaluate the implications of emerging technologies, such as 5G, while keeping agreements flexible and consumer-focused.