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Ghana ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 378 – Northern Region

The phone area code for Northern Region is 378 (international format +233378). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
20:22:48
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+233378
Population 2,003,152
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Admin Region Northern
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Elevation 207m
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GPS Coordinates 9.4500, -0.1000
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📍 Geographic Location of Northern Region

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +233 378 area code is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Northern Region of Ghana. This region is one of the country's principal administrative areas, with its capital and largest city being Tamale. The code serves the city of Tamale and its surrounding districts, including Sagnarigu, Mion, Tolon, Kumbungu, and Nanton, among others. As a geographic code, it is tied to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) infrastructure within this defined area, meaning that the numbering resource is allocated to fixed-line services operating in this specific part of the country.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

When dialing a fixed-line number within the Northern Region from another line in Ghana, the national trunk prefix '0' is used, followed by the area code and the subscriber's local number. For example, to reach a landline in Tamale from Accra, you would dial: 0378 XXX XXX. Note that the national format omits the country code and uses the leading '0'. Internationally, callers must use the full E.164 format: +233 378 XXX XXX (or 011 233 378 XXX XXX when dialing from the United States or Canada). The area code '378' is part of the numbering plan that replaced the older '037' prefix when Ghana expanded its numbering scheme in 2010 to accommodate a growing demand for telecommunication services.

Caller Instructions and Overlay Considerations

For local callers within the Northern Region, it is essential to include the area code even when dialing a number in the same locality, as Ghana's numbering plan requires the full national number (including the trunk prefix and NDC) for all calls. There is no overlay code currently in effect for this region, meaning that the '378' code is unique to the Northern Region and is not shared with other geographic areas. However, as the National Communications Authority (NCA) continues to manage numbering resources, future changes are possible, and users should verify the latest dialing procedures if they encounter issues.

For foreign callers, it is crucial to drop the leading '0' of the national prefix and use the country code '+233' instead. For instance, a caller from the United Kingdom would dial 00 233 378 XXX XXX. The 'XXX XXX' portion represents the six-digit subscriber number, making the total length of a national significant number (NSN) nine digits (including the NDC). This structure aligns with ITU-T E.164 recommendations, ensuring international interoperability and routing efficiency.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which cities or towns are covered by the +233 378 area code?
The +233 378 area code covers the Northern Region of Ghana, with Tamale as the primary city. It also serves surrounding districts such as Sagnarigu, Mion, Tolon, Kumbungu, and Nanton.
How do I dial a +233 378 number from abroad?
From abroad, dial your country's international access prefix (e.g., 00 from Europe, 011 from the US/Canada), then Ghana's country code 233, followed by the area code 378 and the six-digit subscriber number. Example: 011 233 378 XXX XXX.
Is +233 378 a mobile or landline prefix?
It is a geographic landline prefix assigned to fixed-line services in the Northern Region of Ghana. Mobile numbers in Ghana use different prefixes such as 024, 026, 027, etc.
Why do I need to dial the area code even when calling within the same region?
Ghana's numbering plan requires the full national number (including the trunk prefix 0 and the area code) for all calls, even local ones. This ensures proper routing through the PSTN and is a standard practice in many countries.
Has the +233 378 area code changed recently?
In 2010, Ghana expanded its numbering plan, and the old '037' prefix became '0378' for the Northern Region. The current format is 0378 XXX XXX nationally and +233 378 XXX XXX internationally. No further changes have been announced.