The regional integration milestones achieved by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since its establishment almost 50 years ago are undeniable even as the 15-nation bloc faces threats of disintegration with the decision by three of its army-ruled member States to quit.
As part of efforts to deepen integration, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Charles Acheampong has officially launched a bilateral ECOWAS Telecommunications Free Roaming initiative between Ghana and Togo and Ghana and Benin.
“This Initiative will allow our citizens to stay connected seamlessly, without the burden of high roaming charges or the inconvenience of multiple SIMs,” said the deputy minister during the launch ceremony at Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) Tower in Accra on 9th October 2024.
The development followed the successful implementation of the same ECOWAS Roaming Initiative between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which enables citizens of the affected countries to use mobile services without incurring international roaming charges.
Acheampong said the launch “marks a new chapter in the relationship between Ghana and its neighbours,” and “…underscores the shared vision of West Africa, where borders do not impede communication, business, or social interactions.”
He traced the programme’s origin to a common vision to establish a seamless communication environment across the ECOWAS region and, praised “the diligent efforts and unwavering dedication of the Implementation Committees” from the three countries.
The Executive Secretary of the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP Benin), Dr Hervé Coovi Guedegbe, said the launch signified a major advancement in cooperation between the countries involved and a vital step in the ECOWAS regional integration agenda.
He described the launch as “a decisive move towards a more united, connected, and prosperous West Africa.”
Dr Joe Anokye, Director General of NCA welcomed attendees to the event.
(Courtesy: NCA Ghana).
