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Ghana ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 388 – Upper East Region

The phone area code for Upper East Region is 388 (international format +233388). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
05:59:24
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+233388
Population 948,118
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Admin Region Upper East
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Elevation 179m
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GPS Coordinates 10.7500, -0.7500
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📍 Geographic Location of Upper East Region

Geographic Overview

The area code 388 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Upper East Region of Ghana. This region, with its capital at Bolgatanga, is situated in the northeastern part of the country and shares borders with Togo to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. The code serves both fixed-line PSTN and VoIP subscribers within the region, covering major towns such as Bolgatanga, Navrongo, Bawku, and Zebilla. As part of Ghana's national numbering plan, the code is used for landline services and is not associated with mobile networks.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in the Upper East Region from within Ghana, subscribers must dial the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the subscriber's local number. The national format is:

  • National (domestic) dialing: 0 388 XXX XXX
  • International dialing: +233 388 XXX XXX

For example, a local number in Bolgatanga might be 0 388 123 456 when dialed domestically, or +233 388 123 456 when dialed from abroad. The total number length after the country code is 9 digits (including the NDC), which is standard for Ghanaian geographic numbers.

Caller Instructions

For callers within Ghana: Always include the trunk prefix '0' before the area code when dialing from any other region. For example, to call a number in Bolgatanga from Accra, dial 0 388 123 456.

For international callers: Replace the leading '0' with the Ghana country code +233. For instance, from the United States, you would dial 011 233 388 123 456; from the UK, 00 233 388 123 456. Ensure you omit the '0' when using the international format.

Numbering and Overlay Considerations

Ghana's numbering plan is administered by the National Communications Authority (NCA). The 388 code is a dedicated geographic code for the Upper East Region, and as of the latest updates, there is no overlay code in this area. This means that all fixed-line numbers within the region share the same 388 prefix, and local calls within the region can be made using the 7-digit subscriber number without the area code, depending on the operator's dialing plan. However, for clarity and consistency, it is recommended to always use the full national format.

It is important to note that with the growth of VoIP services, some numbers may be assigned to IP-based telephony, but they remain geographically tied to the Upper East Region for routing purposes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What area does the +233 388 area code cover?
The +233 388 area code covers the Upper East Region of Ghana, including cities like Bolgatanga, Navrongo, and Bawku. It is used for fixed-line telephone services.
How do I dial a +233 388 number from overseas?
To call a +233 388 number from abroad, dial your country's international access code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from the UK), then 233 (Ghana's country code), followed by 388 and the local 7-digit number. For example, 011 233 388 123 456.
Is 388 a mobile phone prefix?
No, 388 is a geographic area code for landlines in the Upper East Region. Mobile numbers in Ghana typically start with prefixes like 020, 023, 024, 026, 027, 028, 050, 053, 054, 055, 056, 057, 059, etc.
How many digits are in a Ghanaian landline number with code 388?
In international format, a complete number consists of the country code +233, the area code 388, and a 7-digit subscriber number, totaling 12 digits including the +. In national format, it is 0 388 XXX XXX (10 digits after the trunk prefix).
Can I call a 388 number using VoIP services like Skype?
Yes, you can call a 388 number using VoIP services. Simply dial +233 388 followed by the local number. Ensure you have international calling credit or a subscription that includes calls to Ghana.