Tripartite ECOWAS Roaming Meeting Concludes with Key Commitments to Seamless Regional Connectivity
Tripartite ECOWAS Roaming Meeting Concludes with Key Commitments to Seamless Regional Connectivity
April 30, 2026 – The Tripartite ECOWAS Roaming Meeting hosted by the National Communications Authority (NCA) has successfully concluded at the NCA Tower in Accra, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative among Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The four-day engagement brought together telecommunications regulators and Mobile Network Operators from the three countries for extensive technical and policy discussions aimed at harmonising regulatory frameworks, addressing operational challenges, and aligning implementation timelines for seamless cross-border roaming services.
A key highlight of the meeting was the successful finalisation and signing of bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) among the participating countries. The agreements outlined clear modalities for the rollout of free roaming services including tariff structures, quality of service standards, consumer protection measures, and mechanisms for sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Director General for Technical Operations at the NCA, Mr. Suleman Salifu, commended participants for their invaluable commitment, professionalism, and collaborative spirit throughout the deliberations. He noted that the outcomes of the meeting reflected a shared resolve to translate policy into action and deliver tangible benefits to citizens across the sub-region.
“Over the past few days, you have demonstrated what can be achieved when institutions approach a shared challenge with openness, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” he stated.
Mr. Salifu further emphasised that the implementation of free roaming among the three countries represented more than a regulatory milestone, describing it as a significant step towards deepening regional integration, enhancing economic cooperation, and facilitating the free movement of people, services, and innovation across borders. “This initiative reflects our collective aspiration for a more connected and inclusive society,” he added.
On his part, the Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Hon. Clarence K. Massaquoi, noted that the engagement went beyond the signing of agreements, describing it as a transformative step in redefining how citizens live, work, and do business across borders. He expressed appreciation to the technical teams from all three countries and underscored that connectivity should be regarded not as a luxury, but as a fundamental necessity for all citizens.
In highlighting the outcomes of the engagement, the Co-Chair of the Committee, Mr. Yaw Baafi, stated that the meeting had been a great success, noting that the MoUs signed were fully aligned with the revised ECOWAS regulations. He explained that the updated agreements incorporated key provisions on access to emergency services, fair use policies, fraud prevention, and quality of service, among others.
He further indicated that the conclusion of the meeting marked a transition from planning to implementation, urging all parties to sustain the momentum and ensure the timely execution of agreed actions.
Representatives from Liberia and Sierra Leone also expressed satisfaction with the progress made and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and effective implementation of the agreements. They noted that the outcomes would significantly enhance communication, trade, and mobility across borders, while strengthening regional integration.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by all parties to deepen collaboration, monitor progress, and work collectively towards the full operationalisation of free roaming services within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Implementation of the MoUs is expected to commence on 19th May, 2026, extending over a three-month period, with the official go-live date set for 1st September, 2026.
Mr. Salifu further urged stakeholders to work together to translate the agreements into reality through sustained collaboration and accountability.
The successful hosting and outcomes of the meeting further position Ghana as a key driver of regional digital integration and underscore the collective determination of ECOWAS Member States to build a more connected, inclusive, and digitally-enabled West Africa.
