USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Ghana.
Ghana has over 41 million mobile phone users, with internet penetration at 68.2% as of 2023. USSD codes are popular for accessing banking and mobile money services. Notable USSD codes include *170# (MTN Mobile Money), *110# (Vodafone Cash), and *718# (AirtelTigo Money). Major telecom companies like MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo dominate the market. Businesses, including banks like GCB Bank and Ecobank, use USSD codes for transactions. WhatsApp and SMS are widely used for marketing by businesses such as Jumia, Shoprite, and MTN, who frequently use these platforms to reach customers.
In Ghana, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Ghana's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Ghana for services like mobile banking, require approval from Ghana's national communications authority. Ghana's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Ghana's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Ghana face less stringent rules but must comply with Ghana's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Ghana, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Ghana's regulatory body and must follow Ghana's pricing transparency guidelines.
SMS - Brand Name
A unique identifier used in SMS messaging to display the sender's name or brand instead of a phone number e.g DOMINOS. Does not allow for 2 way messaging on SMS. Cost per Telco.
NONE
Free
Two Way SMS (Set-up)-Dedicated
A dedicated code for just the procurer.
GHS
4,000
SMS - Two Way (Application Fees)
Fees charged by the communications authority to set up and operate a short code.
GHS
1,500
SMS Sent (Per)
Bulk SMS is used for marketing, alerts, and customer communication. SMS is cost-effective and has higher open rates than email.
GHS
0.045
SMS Sent (Per)
Bulk SMS is used for marketing, alerts, and customer communication. SMS is cost-effective and has higher open rates than email.
GHS
0.053
WhatsApp pricing in Ghana
WhatsApp's popularity in Ghana stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Ghana's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Ghana's businesses to scale customer interactions, while WhatsApp's wide adoption makes it ideal for customer service. WhatsApp's compatibility with lower-end smartphones promotes digital inclusion across Ghana. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Ghana's companies to implement chatbots and integrate systems, supporting business growth even in regions with unstable connections.
WhatsApp (Per 24hr Session)
WhatsApp Business platform employs a conversation-based pricing model, charging businesses for each conversation within a 24-hour period. Conversations are categorized as service, utility, authentication, or marketing, with varying prices based on the category and the customer's country code Learn more on WhatsApp billing.
USD
0.0225
WhatsApp (Setup)
A one time set up charge to to cover the initial technical configuration, custom development, and client onboarding process.
USD
49
USSD pricing in Ghana
Ghana leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Ghana's digital inclusion efforts. In Ghana, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Ghana's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Ghana's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Ghana for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
USSD Shared Code (Monthly)
The fee is charged to keep the shared USSD code active. This is charged per telco.
GHS
900
USSD Dedicated Code (Setup)
A dedicated USSD code is a unique short code assigned to a specific organization or service provider. A dedicated USSD is similar to *123#
GHS
1,000
Dedicated USSD Code (Monthly)
This fee is charged per month to keep the USSD code active and is charged per Telco.
GHS
340
Voice (IVR) pricing in Ghana
Ghana's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Ghana's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Ghana are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Ghana's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Ghana balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Ghana leapfrogs legacy systems, voice technologies are enabling unique solutions like mobile money authorization via voice biometrics and community radio integration with IVR for wider information dissemination.
Virtual Phone Number (Setup)
A one-off cost to set-up a phone number
GHS
50
Virtual Phone Number (Per Month)
A virtual number that routes calls within an organisation. It allows for multiple people to call in or out in parallel and can play a welcome message (IVR) to callers.
NONE
Free
Voice - Incoming Call (Per Sec)
Receiving calls to your virtual phone numbers incurs a routing and connection cost.
