WATRA Working Groups Convene in Accra to Strengthen Sub-Regional Regulatory Cooperation
WATRA Working Groups Convene in Accra to Strengthen Sub-Regional Regulatory Cooperation
July 21, 2025 – The National Communications Authority (NCA) is hosting a four-day Working Group meeting of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) at the NCA Tower in Accra. The meeting brings together experts and representatives from WATRA member states, the private sector, international development partners, and the academia. Discussions will focus on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, enhancing compliance, improving customer experience, advancing inclusive connectivity, and building regional capacity in cybersecurity through the adoption of robust standards and frameworks.
In his welcome remarks at the opening ceremony, the Acting Director-General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, emphasised that regional cooperation is essential to achieving inclusive digital transformation. He noted that the sub-region’s strength lies in its ability to harmonise regulatory practices and share knowledge. He further reaffirmed the NCA’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and consumer-focused regulation, highlighting the critical role of the Consumer Affairs Division in advancing consumer protection, education, and empowerment.
giving his welcoming remarks
He cited the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative as a key instrument for regional integration, referencing Ghana’s bilateral roaming agreements with Togo, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia. He encouraged all WATRA member states to fully operationalise the framework, noting its potential to lower consumer costs, improve service continuity and strengthen regional cohesion.
On broader digital policy, Rev. Ing. Fianko reiterated the NCA’s commitment to a secure and inclusive digital future. He highlighted Ghana’s active role in regional cybersecurity initiatives and in shaping regulatory frameworks on artificial intelligence, data privacy, and digital finance. He concluded by stating that the themes of consumer experience, infrastructure, and cybersecurity represent the pillars of a resilient digital economy and are critical to the region’s digital transformation agenda.
WATRA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, in his remarks, described the Assembly as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, sharing knowledge, and addressing shared challenges in the telecommunications sector. He emphasised the significance of the work being undertaken at the meeting and expressed hope that the refined outputs will be validated and adopted by the Conference of Regulators at the next Annual General Meeting. These outcomes, he noted, are intended to guide regulators across West Africa through practical recommendations and adaptable frameworks tailored to local contexts.
delivering his remarks
In outlining the expected outcomes for each working group, Mr. Aboki stated that the Consumer Access and Experience Working Group will focus on enhancing policy regulation, ensuring compliance, and improving customer experience.
He added that the Infrastructure Development Working Group will address strategies for building robust and inclusive connectivity, while the Cybersecurity Working Group will dedicate significant time to capacity development, implementing robust standards and frameworks, and strengthening regional cyber defense capabilities.
This comprehensive approach, he noted, is crucial as West Africa navigates the rapidly evolving telecommunications and ICT landscape. The expected outcomes are designed to provide practical recommendations, comprehensive frameworks, and adaptable guidelines for regulators across the region, enabling them to effectively respond to their local contexts.
Mr. Aboki further emphasised that the Working Group meeting in Accra is not merely a technical engagement but also a testament to the solidarity and mutual support that underpin WATRA’s mission. He commended the NCA and the Government of Ghana for their generous support and hospitality toward the Assembly’s work.
The Working Group sessions, which began today, 21st July 2025, are scheduled to conclude on Thursday, 24th July 2025.
