Staying connected in Ghana is easy thanks to competitive prepaid SIM options offered by MTN, AT (AirtelTigo), and Telecel Ghana (previously Vodafone). Whether you’re a tourist landing in Accra or a long-term resident, prepaid SIM cards offer affordable data plans, reliable coverage, and simple activation.
This guide explains everything you need to know — prices, coverage, registration rules, tourist SIMs, USSD codes, feature bundles, social media packages, and more.
Basic Information About SIM Cards in Ghana
Ghana’s telecom market is regulated by the National Communications Authority (NCA). Prepaid SIM cards are the most widely used option due to their affordability, flexibility, and the fact that almost all data packages are designed for prepaid users.
👉 SIM registration is mandatory
👉 Biometric (fingerprint + photo) verification required
👉 Passport required for foreigners
Official Mobile Operator Websites
- MTN Ghana – https://www.mtn.com.gh
- AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) – https://www.at.com.gh
- Telecel Ghana (formerly Vodafone) – https://www.telecel.com.gh
Availability & Where to Buy SIM Cards
You can easily buy SIM cards in:
1. Airports
- Accra Kotoka International Airport (MTN & AT counters)
- SIM prices here are slightly higher but registration is fast.
2. Official Operator Service Centers
- Best option for correct biometric registration.
- SIM price 2–5 GHS (official price).
3. Street Vendors / Kiosks
- Widely available but may overcharge.
- Registration must still be done officially at operator centers.
4. Hotels & Malls
- SIMs often available at mobile booths inside malls.
Network Frequencies in Ghana
| Network Technology | Frequencies Used |
|---|---|
| 2G | 900 / 1800 MHz |
| 3G | 900 / 2100 MHz |
| 4G LTE | Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 20 (800 MHz) |
| 5G | Limited / Testing phases |
Coverage & Internet Speed
MTN Ghana – Best Coverage
- Strongest nationwide coverage
- Fastest 4G speeds
- Best rural coverage
AT (AirtelTigo) – Great in Big Cities
- Fast in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Takoradi
- Affordable bundles
Telecel Ghana – Stable Coverage in Urban Areas
- Good 4G in major cities
- Strong value bundles
At a Glance: Comparison of Ghana Mobile Operators
| Feature | MTN Ghana | AT (AirtelTigo) | Telecel Ghana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Data Speed | Fastest | Good | Good |
| SIM Price | Low | Low | Low |
| Tourist SIM | Available | Limited | Limited |
| eSIM | Not widely offered | Not available | Not available |
Biometric SIM Registration
SIM registration in Ghana includes:
✔ Digital photo
✔ Fingerprint capture
✔ Identity verification
Foreigners must present:
- Passport
- Sometimes a visa entry stamp
Without biometric completion, the SIM may be blocked.
Device Registration (IMEI)
Ghana does not require international visitors to register their device IMEI.
Phones from abroad work normally with local SIM cards.
Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)
MTN Ghana App
Google Play: MyMTN App
App Store: MyMTN Ghana
AT Ghana App
Google Play: AT Ghana App
App Store: AT Ghana
Telecel Ghana App
Google Play: Telecel App
App Store: Telecel Ghana
SIM Card Price in Ghana
- Standard SIM: 2–5 GHS
- Airport price: 10–20 GHS
- Tourist SIM: 80 GHS (MTN)
MTN GHANA – Detailed Prepaid Information
Availability
- Available everywhere
- Recommended for tourists
- Best 4G network in Ghana
MTN Feature Packages (Voice + Data)
| Price (GHS) | Data | Voice Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 40 MB | 20 mins | No expiry |
| 5 | 120 MB | 60 mins | No expiry |
| 10 | 300 MB | 120 mins | No expiry |
| 20 | 800 MB | 200 mins | 30 days |
MTN Social Media Bundles
| App | Price (GHS) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70 MB | Daily | |
| 2 | 150 MB | 2 days | |
| TikTok | 3 | 250 MB | 3 days |
| Combo Social | 5 | 500 MB | Weekly |
Data Only SIM MTN
MTN offers dedicated data-only SIMs for routers and MiFi devices.
MTN Prepaid Data Add-Ons
| Price (GHS) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 MB | No expiry |
| 3 | 500 MB | No expiry |
| 5 | 1.2 GB | 7 days |
| 10 | 3 GB | 30 days |
| 20 | 6 GB | 30 days |
| 50 | 15 GB | 30 days |
| 100 | 40 GB | 30 days |
| 300 | 200 GB | 30 days |
AT GHANA (AirtelTigo) – Detailed Prepaid Information
Availability
- Widely available in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi
- Cheaper bundles compared to MTN
AT Mobile Data Feature Packages
| Price | Data | Voice | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GHS | 40 MB | 25 mins | No expiry |
| 5 GHS | 120 MB | 120 mins | No expiry |
| 10 GHS | 260 MB | 135 mins | No expiry |
| 15 GHS | 400 MB | 200 mins | No expiry |
Social Media Bundles AT
| Social App | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GHS | 60 MB | Daily | |
| 2 GHS | 120 MB | Daily | |
| TikTok | 3 GHS | 250 MB | 2 days |
| Social Combo | 5 GHS | 500 MB | 7 days |
AT Data Only SIM
Available for MiFi and router users.
AT Data Add-Ons
| Price (GHS) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 MB | No expiry |
| 5 | 600 MB | 7 days |
| 10 | 1.2 GB | 30 days |
| 20 | 2.5 GB | 30 days |
| 50 | 4.5 GB | 30 days |
| 100 | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 300 | 90 GB | 30 days |
TELECEL GHANA (Vodafone Ghana)
Availability
- Good in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale
- Competitive pricing
Data Feature Packages Telecel
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GHS | 400 MB (hourly) | 1 hour |
| 2 GHS | 1 GB (hourly) | 1 hour |
| 3 GHS | 300 MB | 24 hrs |
| 10 GHS | Unlimited (fair use) | 30 days |
Telecel Social Media Bundles
| App | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GHS | 100 MB | Daily | |
| TikTok | 3 GHS | 200 MB | Daily |
| 1.5 GHS | 120 MB | Daily | |
| Social Combo | 5 GHS | 500 MB | Weekly |
Data Add-Ons Telecel
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 2 GHS | 450 MB | 1 day |
| 5 GHS | 1 GB | 3 days |
| 20 GHS | 6 GB | 30 days |
| 50 GHS | 15 GB | 30 days |
| 200 GHS | 35 GB | 30 days |
How to Check Your SIM Number
| Network | Code |
|---|---|
| MTN | *156# |
| AT | *703# |
| Telecel | *127# |
Tourist SIM Cards in Ghana
MTN Tourist SIM
- Price: ~80 GHS
- Includes: ~5–7 GB data
- Validity: 30–45 days
- Best option for travelers
Where to buy
- Airport MTN counter
- MTN service centers
eSIM Option in Ghana
Prepaid eSIM from MTN / AT / Telecel is not yet widely available.
But international eSIM providers offer Ghana packages:
- Airalo
- Holafly
- Nomad
- GigSky
Ideal for tourists who want instant data on arrival.
Activation Steps
- Buy a SIM from the official source
- Present passport
- Biometric registration (mandatory)
- Insert SIM
- Recharge
- Dial short codes to buy bundles
- MTN: *138#
- AT: *111#
- Telecel: *700#
How to Check Remaining Balance
| Network | USSD |
|---|---|
| MTN | *124# |
| AT | *124# |
| Telecel | *124# |
Customer Care / Help Line Numbers
| Network | Number |
|---|---|
| MTN | 100 |
| AT | 100 |
| Telecel | 100 |
Top-Up Methods in Ghana
1. Scratch Cards
Available everywhere (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 GHS).
2. Mobile Money (Best Option)
- MTN MoMo
- AT Money
- Telecel Cash
3. Online Recharge
Through operator apps.
Conclusion
Getting a prepaid SIM card in Ghana is straightforward, affordable, and the best way to stay connected. MTN remains the top choice for tourists thanks to its unmatched coverage and reliable 4G speeds. AT and Telecel offer excellent value bundles and are strong options in major cities.
With mandatory biometric registration, affordable bundles, and easy top-up options, staying online in Ghana is simple for both visitors and residents.