The Deputy Director General for Technical Operations at the National Communication Authority (NCA), Mr. Suleman Salifu, has reiterated Ghana’s commitment to deepening regional connectivity.
He emphasized the importance of making communication services more accessible, affordable, and seamless for citizens during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Free Roaming between the NCA of Ghana and the Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP) of Burkina Faso.
The signing ceremony took place in Accra as part of the Digital Week event, where Ghana was honored to serve as the Guest of Honour.
Mr. Salifu expressed confidence that the agreement would further strengthen institutional cooperation and lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives, adding that this collaboration reinforces the longstanding relationship between the NCA and ARCEP Burkina Faso.
Mr. Salifu also acknowledged the guidance of the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, and the cooperation of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in ensuring the successful conclusion of this agreement.
In his remarks, the ARCEP’s Executive Secretary, Patrice Compaoré, noted that the elimination of roaming charges would enable Burkinabé travelers in Ghana, along with Ghanaian nationals in Burkina Faso, to communicate at rates comparable to those in their home countries.
He stressed that this agreement would strengthen bilateral cooperation by facilitating exchanges and communication between the two nations.
Following the MoU’s signing, regulators and MNOs from both countries will work collaboratively on the implementation and testing of the new roaming services, with a planned launch in April 2026.
The MoU establishes a framework for technical and regulatory collaboration, enabling seamless mobile communication across borders. Mobile subscribers traveling between Ghana and Burkina Faso will no longer incur additional roaming charges for calls, messages, and data services.
With this agreement, Ghana successfully completes its free roaming arrangements with all its neighboring countries, marking a significant advancement toward enhanced regional integration.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
