Ghana Phone Number Format for Local & International Calls

Dialing Ghana can be tricky without understanding the correct phone number format. Many people struggle to connect their calls, especially when calling from abroad, as it involves various unique dialing codes.
Whether you’re dialing a mobile or a landline, knowing the right prefixes and numbering structure will save time and prevent errors.
In this guide, you’ll learn the Ghana phone number format for local and international calls, exploring dialing steps, examples, and helpful tips to successfully call Ghana from abroad.
Highlights:
Ghana phone numbers include the country code +233, the trunk prefix 0 for domestic calls, an area code or mobile prefix, and the subscriber number.
Local calls within Ghana use the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code or mobile prefix and the local number.
To place international calls to Ghana, remove the trunk prefix 0, then dial your country’s exit code, the Ghana country code +233, and the local number, including the area or mobile prefix.
Ghana provides short emergency hotlines, such as 112 for general emergencies, 193 for fire, and 999 for coast guard and mountain rescue.
Understanding the Ghanaian Phone Number Components
The Ghana phone number format consists of the country code (+233), the trunk prefix ‘0’, the area code or mobile prefix, and the local subscriber number. All these codes play a crucial role in ensuring your call reaches the right person.
1. Ghana Country Code
Ghana’s international country code is +233, and it is required when calling the country from abroad. It instructs the international phone network to route the call to Ghana.
2. Trunk Prefix
The trunk prefix ‘0’ is used only for domestic calls and is omitted when dialing from outside the country.
3. Area Code
Landline numbers in Ghana use area codes to direct calls to specific cities or regions in Ghana. They follow the trunk prefix (0) and ensure that calls are accurately routed to the correct location.
The table below lists major cities in Ghana with their corresponding area codes:
City/Region | Area Code |
| Accra | 30 |
| Kumasi | 32 |
| Takoradi | 31 |
| Tamale | 37 |
| Cape Coast | 33 |
| Tema | 30 |
| Sunyani | 35 |
| Koforidua | 34 |
4. Mobile Prefix
Ghana cell phone numbers include the mobile prefixes that indicate the network provider for a phone number. Each telecom operator has specific codes. For example, Vodafone uses 20, 50, 57, and 59, AirtelTigo uses 26, 56, and 25, and Glo uses 27. These prefixes help route calls to the correct network and are essential for both local and international dialing.
5. Subscriber Number
The subscriber number is the final part of the phone number that uniquely identifies the individual, business, or organization. It is assigned by the service provider and ensures that the call reaches the correct user within a network or geographic area.
Ghana Phone Number Format for Domestic Calls
The Ghanaian phone number for local calls begins with the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code (for landlines) or mobile network prefix (for mobile numbers), and then the unique subscriber number.
Here are the steps to dial a Ghanaian number domestically:
- Dial the trunk prefix, 0.
- Enter the area code (for landline) or mobile prefix (for cell phone numbers).
- Dial the remaining subscriber number to complete the call.
Note: For calling toll-free numbers, dial trunk code 0, the toll-free prefix (usually 800), followed by the local number.
Examples of Ghana Phone Number Structure for Local Calls
Landline Number: 0 + Area Code + Subscriber Number
Example: 030 123 4567
- 0: Trunk prefix
- 30: Accra area code
- 123 4567: Subscriber number
Mobile Number: 0 + Mobile Prefix + Subscriber Number
Example: 020 123 4567
- 0: Trunk prefix
- 20: Vodafone mobile prefix
- 123 4567: Subscriber number
Toll-Free Number: 0 + Toll-free Prefix + Subscriber Number
Example: 0800 123 4567
- 0: Trunk prefix
- 800: Toll-free prefix
- 123 4567: Subscriber number
Ghana Phone Number Format for International Calls
The international phone number format for Ghana includes your country’s exit code, Ghana’s country code (233), and the local number, including area code or mobile prefix, without the leading trunk prefix 0.
Here are the steps to dial a Ghanaian phone number internationally:
- Enter your country’s exit code.
- Dial Ghana’s country code, 233.
- Enter the area code or mobile prefix.
- Dial the local subscriber number.
Tip: When calling from a smartphone, you can replace the exit code with the ‘+’ sign.
Ghana International Phone Number Format Examples
Landline Phone Number: Exit code + 233 + Area code + Subscriber number
Example: 011 233 30 123 4567 (Calling Ghana from the US)
- 011: US exit code
- 233: Ghana country code
- 30: Accra area code
- 123 4567: Local landline number
Mobile Phone Number: Exit code + 233 + Mobile prefix + Subscriber number
Example: 011 233 20 123 4567
- 011: US exit code
- 233: Ghana country code
- 20: Mobile prefix
- 123 4567: Local mobile number
Toll-Free Phone Number: Exit code + 233 + 800 + Subscriber number
Example: 011 233 800 123 4567
- 011: US exit code
- 233: Ghana country code
- 800: Toll-free prefix
- 123 4567: Local subscriber number
Note: Ghanaian toll-free numbers may not connect when calling from abroad. For those that connect, the calling charge may still apply.
Emergency Phone Numbers in Ghana
Ghana emergency phone numbers are short and easy-to-remember, designed for emergency services. The primary national emergency number is 112, which connects callers to police, fire, and medical response services. In addition, Ghana has dedicated hotlines for specific emergency services to ensure faster assistance nationwide.
Emergency Service | Short Code/Hotline |
| National Emergency | 112 |
| Police Service | 191 |
| Fire Service | 192 |
| Coast Guard and Mountain Rescue | 999 |
Things to Consider Before Calling Ghana from Abroad
Before calling Ghana, make sure the phone number is in the correct international format. Also, check the call rates and time zone difference to avoid unexpected charges and calling at an inappropriate time.
- Ensure Correct Phone Number Structure: For international calls, do not forget to remove the leading 0 from the local numbers after adding the exit code and country code. Also, confirm the number type before calling, as mobile, landline, and toll-free numbers use different prefixes.
- Verify Call Charges: Be sure to check the international calling rates with your service provider before dialing Ghana. It helps you avoid unexpected fees, as the calling rate is usually expensive and changes with different providers.
- Consider the Time Zone Difference: Always check Ghana’s time zone (GMT) before calling to ensure you reach the recipient at a suitable time and avoid calling too early or too late. Aim to make calls during Ghana’s local business hours, typically 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, for a convenient time for your recipient.
Conclusion
Understanding the Ghana phone number format is essential for making successful calls, whether locally or from abroad. For local calls, you can simply dial the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code or mobile prefix and the local number. For international calls, remove the trunk code and add the exit code and the country code at the beginning.
Alongside the dialing format, it’s also important to consider the calling cost, especially for international calls. Calling Ghana from abroad is often expensive with traditional carriers. If you want to keep your calling costs low, Calilio offers a cost-effective and reliable solution. It offers virtual phone numbers from 100+ countries that you can use to call Ghana at low international calling rates.
Calilio’s basic plan starts at just $15 per month and includes essential telephony features such as call forwarding, voicemail, recording, and more.
Summarize this blog with:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ghana country code?
Ghana’s country code is +233. It is used when dialing a Ghanaian number from outside the country.
Can I use Ghana phone numbers for international messaging apps?
Can I transfer my number to another network in Ghana?

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