Area Code 397 – Upper West Region

Overview of Ghana Area Code 397

Area code 397 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Upper West Region of Ghana, under the country's national numbering plan administered by the National Communications Authority (NCA). This code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within the region, which includes the regional capital Wa and surrounding districts such as Nadowli-Kaleo, Daffiama-Bussie-Issa, Jirapa, Lambussie-Karni, Lawra, Nandom, Sissala East, Sissala West, and Wa West.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in the Upper West Region from within Ghana, subscribers must dial the full national significant number, which includes the area code followed by the subscriber's local number. The area code is typically followed by a 5- or 6-digit subscriber number, resulting in a total of 9 digits after the trunk prefix '0'. For example, a local number might be formatted as 0397 XXXXXX when dialed domestically.

For international callers, the country code for Ghana is +233, and the leading '0' of the area code is dropped. Thus, the international dialing format becomes +233 397 XXXXXX. For instance, a call to a fixed line in Wa would be dialed as +233 397 123456 from abroad.

Calling Instructions

• Local callers (within Ghana): Dial 0397 followed by the subscriber number. For example, 0397 123456.
• International callers: Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), then 233, then 397, and then the subscriber number. Example: +233 397 123456.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the Upper West Region; 397 remains the sole geographic area code for fixed-line services in this area. However, as Ghana's telecommunications landscape evolves, the NCA may introduce additional digits or overlay codes to meet demand. Subscribers should always verify the complete number with the called party, as mobile numbers in Ghana are non-geographic and begin with prefixes like 02, 05, or 07, which are not tied to any specific region.

Regulatory and Technical Notes

The Upper West Region is one of the least densely populated areas in Ghana, and fixed-line penetration is relatively low compared to mobile services. Nevertheless, area code 397 remains essential for businesses, government offices, and residents who rely on landline connectivity. Calls to 397 numbers are routed over the PSTN and are subject to standard national call tariffs. For VoIP users, it is important to ensure that your service provider supports termination to Ghanaian geographic numbers, and that you format the number correctly with the country code.