The National Communications Authority (NCA) has opened a four-day Tripartite ECOWAS Roaming meeting in Accra, April 27–30, 2026, aimed at deepening regional integration and promoting a more connected and digitally inclusive sub-region.
Speaking at the opening session on Monday, the Deputy Director-General for Technical Operations at the NCA, Mr Suleman Salifu, described the meeting as a crucial step toward consolidating gains made through earlier bilateral engagements and technical discussions.
He stressed that the success of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative would hinge on strong collaboration between regulators and Mobile Network Operators, anchored on mutual benefit, sustainability, and transparency.
Mr Salifu also noted that the meeting comes at a pivotal time, following a review of the ECOWAS Roaming Regulations.
According to him, the review has provided valuable insights to refine the framework and ensure it remains practical and responsive to evolving market conditions.
The Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Clarence K. Massaquoi, commended the NCA for hosting the engagement and reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation through free roaming policies.
He said the initiative would make it easier for citizens within the sub-region to communicate, travel, and conduct business across borders by significantly reducing or eliminating high roaming charges.
The Deputy Director, Regulatory Administration in Sierra Leone, Mr Musa Jalloh (Capt. Rtd), stated the engagement as a strategic milestone in ECOWAS’ journey toward a digitally connected and economically empowered community.
He emphasised that affordable and seamless cross-border communication is critical for trade, mobility, education, and inclusive development, adding that regional integration must be supported by harmonised digital systems and regulatory frameworks.
Mr Jalloh called on stakeholders to demonstrate renewed commitment, accelerate decision-making, and strengthen coordination between regulators and operators.
He expressed Sierra Leone’s support for the harmonisation of short codes across the ECOWAS bloc and urged collective action to ensure the timely realisation of the initiative’s benefits.
The meeting brought together telecommunications regulators and Mobile Network Operators from Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to advance the implementation of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative and facilitate the finalisation and signing of bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
