(Left to right) Dr. Joe Anokye, Director General of NCA; Hon. Charles Acheampong, Dep. Minister for Communication and Digitalisation; Dr. Hervé Coovi Guedegbe, Executive Secretary of ARCEP Benin, and Michel Yaovi Galley, Director General of ARCEP Togo.

Ghana has launched a bilateral Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Free Roaming initiative with Benin and Togo.

The launch was held in Accra at the National Communications Authority (NCA) Tower this week with representatives of ECOWAS in attendance.

Charles Acheampong, Ghana’s deputy minister for communications and digitalisation, the initiative enables West African citizens to have seamless connectivity without the burden of high roaming charges or the need to use multiple SIM cards.

In a statement, the NCA confirmed that telecommunications companies in the respective countries are on-board with the interconnection pact.

Acheampong added that the waver of any additional fees for the first 30 consecutive days of travel between the three countries will encourage more travel in-and unification among the regions.

The launch precedes an ECOWAS Roaming Initiative between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, allowing citizens from both countries to access mobile services in each other’s countries without incurring international roaming charges.

Acheampong also highlighted the need for cyber security from the telcos involved in the initiative.

He said: “Cyber security 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.”

Dr Joe Anokye, director general of the NCA, said the launch represents more than just a technological achievement, it embodies a shared commitment to bringing the people of West Africa closer together.