Area Code 318 – Western Region

Geographic Overview

The area code 318 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Western Region of Ghana, specifically serving the city of Sekondi-Takoradi and its surrounding metropolitan districts. This region is a major economic hub due to its port activities, oil and gas industries, and commercial centers. The code 318 is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services, and it is distinct from mobile prefixes, which are non-geographic and begin with 02 or 05.

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line number in the Sekondi-Takoradi area from within Ghana, you must include the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the subscriber number. The national format is:

• 0 318 XXX XXX (where X represents the 7-digit subscriber number)

For example, a local number might be 0318 234 567. When dialing from abroad, you replace the leading 0 with the Ghana country code +233, resulting in:

• +233 318 XXX XXX (international format, omitting the leading 0)

Thus, the same number would be dialed as +233 318 234 567 from outside Ghana.

Caller Instructions

Local callers within the Sekondi-Takoradi area can often dial the 7-digit subscriber number directly without the area code, depending on the local exchange configuration. However, for calls from other regions in Ghana, you must dial the full national format including the trunk prefix and area code. International callers should use the plus sign (+) or the international access prefix of their country, followed by the country code and area code (without the leading 0).

Numbering Plan Considerations

The 318 code is part of the Ghanaian numbering plan under ITU-T E.164. The National Significant Number (NSN) for fixed lines is 9 digits, including the leading 0. The subscriber number length is 7 digits, and the area code is 3 digits (excluding the trunk prefix). There are no overlay codes in this area; the 318 code is exclusive to the Western Region. As of the latest updates, there are no plans for an overlay, so the dialing format remains stable.

Usage and Availability

Numbers with the 318 prefix are primarily used by businesses, government offices, and residential fixed-line subscribers. They are also used for fax and DSL services. If you are traveling to Ghana and need to contact a local business, ensure you have the correct area code to avoid misdialing. For VoIP or mobile-to-fixed calls, the same dialing rules apply.