By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana and the Autorité de Régulation
des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP) of Burkina Faso have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement free roaming services
between the two countries. The agreement was formalised on 21 November 2025
during Digital Week in Ouagadougou, where Ghana participated as Guest of
Honour.
The
MoU sets a framework for technical and regulatory cooperation that will allow
mobile subscribers travelling between Ghana and Burkina Faso to make calls,
send messages and use data services at no additional roaming cost. With this
agreement, Ghana now has free roaming arrangements with all its neighbouring
countries.
Speaking
at the ceremony, Suleman Salifu, NCA Deputy Director General for Technical
Operations, said the partnership strengthens the longstanding relationship
between the two regulatory bodies. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to
advancing regional connectivity and making communication services more
accessible and affordable. Salifu added that the agreement will deepen
institutional ties and support future collaborative initiatives.
ARCEP
Executive Secretary Patrice Compaoré noted that eliminating roaming charges
will enable Burkinabé visitors in Ghana and Ghanaian travellers in Burkina Faso
to communicate at rates comparable to those in their home countries. He said
the agreement will enhance bilateral cooperation by easing communication and
exchange between both populations.
Following
the signing, regulators and Mobile Network Operators from the two countries
will work jointly on implementation and testing ahead of the service launch
scheduled for April 2026.
The
NCA expressed appreciation to Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital
Technology and Innovations, as well as Mobile Network Operators, for their role
in reaching the agreement. Among those present at the ceremony were Ghanaian
Minister Samuel George, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Digital Transition, Posts
and Electronic Communications Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, and representatives of
operators from both countries.
