(Ecofin Agency) - Yesterday, Ghana introduced free roaming with Togo and Benin as part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiative. According to Charles Acheampong, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalization, this move will allow citizens to stay connected without high roaming fees or the need for multiple SIM cards when traveling between these countries.

GHANA KICKS-OFF ECOWAS FREE ROAMING WITH TOGO AND BENIN

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Ghanaians traveling to Togo or Benin, and residents from these countries visiting Ghana can now enjoy local rates for calls and texts, both domestic and international, without extra charges for incoming calls and messages. Internet access is also billed at local rates, although new data plans cannot be purchased. This benefit applies for stays up to 30 consecutive days.

This initiative is part of ECOWAS' regulation on roaming across public mobile networks within the region. Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire were the first to implement this community roaming in June 2023. Other West African nations are in various stages of discussions to adopt the same.

The removal of roaming fees is expected to boost communication and cooperation between Ghana, Benin, and Togo. It also supports the broader goal of digital integration and mobility within ECOWAS, promoting a vision of West Africa where borders do not hinder communication, business, or social interactions.