The number 233 is not a local area code, but is actually the International Country Code for the Republic of Ghana. Any phone number originating from or being called to this West African nation must include the prefix +233.
If you have received a call with the +233 prefix or need to place a call to a friend, family member, or business in Ghana, you must use this code as part of the full international dialing sequence. This comprehensive guide will detail the exact numbering plan for both fixed (landline) and mobile phones in Ghana, ensuring your call connects successfully.
Decoding the Ghana Dialing Format (+233)
Ghana uses a closed numbering plan, meaning all phone numbers have a uniform structure, with a total length of 9 digits following the country code.
The correct international dialing format for Ghana is:
Breakdown of the Ghanaian Phone Number Structure
| Element | Description | Digits | Example (from U.S.) |
| Exit Code | The code needed to dial out of your country (e.g., 011 from the US/Canada, 00 from most of Europe). | Varies | 011 |
| Country Code | The international calling code for Ghana. | 3 | 233 |
| Area/Network Code | A 2 to 3-digit code for a city (landline) or a mobile carrier (mobile phone). | 2 or 3 | 30 (Accra) |
| Local Number | The recipient’s unique phone number. | 6 or 7 | 2XXXXXX |
| Full Dialing Example | 11-12 digits (total) | 011 233 30 2XXXXXX |
Geographic Codes for Major Ghanaian Cities (Landlines)
For fixed-line (landline) numbers in Ghana, the number immediately following the country code is the area code, which routes the call to the correct region.
Below are the fixed-line codes for Ghana’s most populated cities:
| City | Area Code (Dialed after +233) | Region |
| Accra | 30 | Greater Accra |
| Kumasi | 32 | Ashanti |
| Sekondi-Takoradi | 31 | Western |
| Tamale | 37 | Northern |
| Cape Coast | 33 | Central |
| Koforidua | 34 | Eastern |
Note on Landlines: Ghana’s landline numbers typically use the format +233 (2-digit area code followed by 7 digits) or in some cases +233 (3-digit area code followed by 6 digits).
Mobile Network Codes in Ghana
Mobile phones are widely used in Ghana, and the dialing sequence works differently than landlines. For mobile numbers, the code immediately following +233 is a Network Code assigned to a specific mobile provider.
When calling a mobile number, the format is usually +233 (2-digit network code followed by 7 digits).
| Mobile Carrier | Common Network Codes (Dialed after +233) |
| MTN | 24, 54, 55, 59 |
| Vodafone | 20, 50 |
| AirtelTigo | 27, 57, 26, 56 |
| Globacom | 23 |
Example Call to a Ghanaian Mobile Phone (MTN)
If you are calling an MTN mobile number with the local digits 123-4567, you would dial:
Calling Ghana from the U.S. and Other Countries
To connect your call to Ghana, you must first dial your country’s International Exit Code.
Calling from the U.S. or Canada:
- Exit Code: Dial 011
- Country Code: Dial 233
- Area/Network Code: Dial the 2 or 3-digit code (e.g., 30 for Accra)
- Local Number: Dial the 6 or 7-digit local number
Calling from Most European, Asian, and African Countries:
- Exit Code: Dial 00
- Country Code: Dial 233
- Area/Network Code: Dial the 2 or 3-digit code
- Local Number: Dial the 6 or 7-digit local number
Pro Tip: On most mobile phones, you can substitute the exit code with the plus sign (+). Instead of dialing 011 233…, you can simply dial +233…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time difference for Ghana (+233)?
Ghana observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is UTC±00:00. This means Ghana does not observe daylight saving time. If you are calling from the U.S. Eastern Time Zone (EST/UTC-5), Ghana is 5 hours ahead. The best time to call for business is typically between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM local time in Accra.
Do phone numbers starting with +233 indicate a scam?
While the +233 country code is perfectly legitimate for Ghana, it has been associated with some common international phone scams, particularly one-ring scams (Wangiri fraud). In this scam, fraudsters call briefly and hang up, hoping you will call back and incur high international charges.
Actionable Advice: If you receive a missed call from the +233 code and do not know the number, do not call it back immediately. Always verify the number first.
How many total digits are in a Ghanaian phone number (excluding the country code)?
A full Ghanaian national phone number consists of 9 digits (3 for the area/network code, and 6 or 7 for the local number). Therefore, when dialing internationally, the sequence you enter after the +233 is 9 digits long.
Is there an internal long-distance code in Ghana?
Yes. If you are calling a landline from within Ghana to another region, you must first dial a domestic long-distance prefix, which is 0. However, this leading 0 must be omitted when dialing the international country code (+233).
Conclusion
The prefix 233 is the definitive International Country Code for Ghana (Republic of Ghana). To successfully connect a call, you must combine your country’s exit code, the 233 country code, the 2 or 3-digit area/network code, and the 6 or 7-digit local number. By following the correct international dialing format, you can confidently reach your contacts in Accra, Kumasi, and any other location within Ghana.
