The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana and Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP) of Burkina Faso have commenced bilateral meetings to tackle cross-border signal interference issues.
The two-day meeting, which began on Tuesday, brought together representatives from both countries, including regulators and mobile network operators, to finalise a frequency coordination agreement aimed at mitigating interference challenges along their shared borders.
The Acting Director General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Fianko, emphasised Ghana’s proactive approach to signal interference, citing a previous frequency agreement signed with Togo.
He noted that complaints from consumers along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border incited this initiative. Rev. Fianko urged all stakeholders to adhere to agreed thresholds, stating that minimum signal strength provisions would be established across the border.
Additionally, he expressed interest in advancing discussions on ECOWAS roaming, highlighting successful implementations with Togo and Benin.
On his part, the Technical Advisor to the Executive Secretary of ARCEP, Mr. Sibiri Ouattara, called the meeting a positive step forward and emphasised the need for a coordinated spectrum management framework.
He highlighted the importance of examining results from the recent joint spectrum monitoring exercise conducted along the borders of the two countries between October and December 2024.
“I am convinced that the conclusions and recommendations resulting from our discussions will represent a major step, guaranteeing optimal and harmonious use of frequencies without harmful interference, for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.
The meeting is scheduled to conclude on August 20, 2025.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
