The +233 country code is the international calling code used to reach any phone number in the nation of Ghana, located in West Africa.
Whether you are placing a call to the capital city of Accra, a mobile phone in Kumasi, or a landline elsewhere, all international communications must begin with the prefix +233. Ghanaian phone numbers use a 9-digit national format, which includes the local area or mobile operator code, followed by the subscriber number.
Due to its West African location, calls and messages originating from the +233 country code are sometimes associated with international fraud. This guide provides the essential dialing information and crucial safety advice to ensure successful and secure communication.
+233 Country Code: Location and Key Facts
The +233 code is a unique identifier for the Republic of Ghana.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Ghana (West Africa) |
| Time Zone | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) / UTC+0 |
| Capital City | Accra |
| National Number Length | 9 Digits (after the +233 code) |
| Time Difference | Same time zone as London (during standard time); 4–5 hours ahead of US East Coast. |
Ghanaian Phone Number Structure
Ghana uses a closed numbering plan where the total length of the National Significant Number (NSN) is 9 digits.
- Landlines: Start with a 2- or 3-digit geographic area code (e.g., 30 for Accra).
- Mobile Phones: Start with a 2-digit mobile network code (e.g., 24 for MTN, 20 for Vodafone).
How to Dial a +233 Phone Number from Abroad
To successfully call a landline or mobile phone in Ghana, you must include your country’s international access code, followed by the +233 code and the 9-digit number.
Example: Calling a Landline in Accra
| Step | Action | Example |
| 1. Dial Exit Code | Your country’s international access code (e.g., 011 for US/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Use + on a mobile. | 011 or + |
| 2. Dial Country Code | The Ghana Country Code. | 233 |
| 3. Dial Area Code (Accra) | The 2-digit city code (e.g., Accra’s code is 30). | 30 |
| 4. Dial Subscriber Number | The remaining 7-digit local number. | XXX XXXX |
| Full Dialing Sequence (Mobile): | +233 30 XXX XXXX |
Major Ghanaian City and Mobile Prefixes
| City / Service | Prefix (First 2-3 Digits) |
| Accra (Landline) | 30 |
| Kumasi (Landline) | 32 |
| MTN Mobile Network | 24, 54, 55, 59 |
| Vodafone Mobile Network | 20, 50 |
Safety Warning: Calls and Texts from +233
While the +233 country code is home to millions of legitimate users, it is often associated with international scams originating from West Africa.
Types of Scams to Watch For
- Advance Fee Fraud (“419” or “Nigerian Prince” Scams): Though often linked to Nigeria (+234), scammers in the region frequently use various West African country codes, including +233, to initiate contact via call or WhatsApp/text with promises of lottery winnings, investments, or large inheritances in exchange for an upfront fee.
- Impersonation Scams: Scammers pretend to be someone you know (often a romantic interest or family member) who is in distress and needs urgent money wired.
Actionable Steps to Protect Yourself
- Do Not Answer: Unless you are explicitly expecting a call from Ghana, it is safest to let the call go to voicemail.
- Never Return the Call: The rates for calling international numbers like +233 are very high. Never call back an unknown or missed call from this country code, as it could result in high charges.
- Refuse Urgent Requests: Immediately terminate any call or chat where the sender demands immediate financial assistance, asks for verification codes, or requests personal/banking information.
- Use Security Tools: Enable your phone carrier’s spam blocking services to filter out suspicious international numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is +233 a scam number?
+233 itself is the legitimate country code for Ghana. However, due to its common use by international fraudsters, any unsolicited call or message from a number starting with +233 should be treated as a potential scam.
What is the time difference between New York and Ghana (+233)?
Ghana operates on GMT (UTC+0) and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- During US Eastern Standard Time (EST/Winter): Ghana is 5 hours ahead of New York.
- During US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT/Summer): Ghana is 4 hours ahead of New York.
Are there area codes in Ghana?
Yes. Ghana uses 2- or 3-digit regional codes (like 30 for Accra) for landlines, but these are incorporated directly into the 9-digit national number. For international dialing, you simply include the city/network prefix as the start of the 9-digit number after the +233 country code.
