If you are an online entrepreneur or business owner you have probably stumbled across “Zip Code” when filling a form. Wherever you are in Ghana whether in Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi or Tamale, you may be required to enter a zip code at most online shop outlets for delivery to be confirmed.
The most common codes people give are 00233, 23321, or 233+ (two numbers from the old calling system. Remember that some years back, making a call to Accra would require you to start with “021”. But do these codes really make sense? In this article you will learn about:
Brief History of Postal codes in Ghana
Format
What is a Zip Code or Postal Code
Is Ghana Zip Code the same as Ghana Postal Code (PostCode)?
What is the Ghana Zip/Postal Code for Ghana?
Zip or Postal Codes for Popular Areas in Greater Accra Region
Using the Zip and Postal Code for Areas in Ghana
What Happens if I enter this Wrong Postal Code While Shopping Online.
Final recommendations on what to use for Ghana Zip Code
Brief History of Postal codes in Ghana
Postal codes were adopted in Ghana on October 18, 2017, following the launch of the National Digital Address System. As a joint venture between Ghana Post and Vokacom Ltd as GhanaPost GPS, the Digital Address System assigned postal codes and unique addresses to every square in Ghana.
Ghana’s postal codes are alphanumeric. The first two characters form the postcode district – the first letter represents the region, and the second character represents the district in which the address is located. The next three to five digits represent the postcode area and identify a more precise location within the area.
Together, the postcode district and postcode area form the postal code. For example, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum in Accra is located in postal code GA184, where GA represents the postcode district – G for the Greater Accra Region and A for the Accra Metropolitan District – and 184 represents the postcode area.
Examples of postal codes are GA107, EO1070, and N503074.
Format
The postal codes are alphanumeric and are variable in length, ranging from five to seven characters. In general, five-digit postal codes denote metropolitan districts and major urban areas, six-digit postal codes denote municipal districts and peri-urban areas, and seven-digit postal codes denote ordinary districts and small towns.
Each postal code is divided into two parts: the postcode district and postcode area. The center of each postcode district falls within the district capital and is designated as postcode area “000”. For example, postal code GA000 denotes the center of postcode district GA within Accra, the district capital of the Accra Metropolitan district, and corresponds to the 5 meter square area around the Jubilee House.
Postcode areas are numbered sequentially and spiral out anticlockwise from the center of the postcode district, with sequential postcode areas located 500 meters apart. For example, postal code GA008, which corresponds to the area of the 37 Military Hospital in Accra is 500 meters from GA009 and suggests proximity to the center of the district – proximity to postal code GA000.
What is a Zip Code or Postal Code?
According to the dictionary, a zip code which is an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan means a system used in the U.S. to facilitate the delivery of mail, consisting of a five- or nine-digit code printed directly after the address, the first five digits (initial code) indicating the state and post office or postal zone, the last four (expanded code) the box section or number, portion of a rural route, building, or other specific delivery location. while postal code means a mailing code system used in Canada similar to the zip code in the U.S. and the postcode in Britain. This is just the dictionary term because as of now many country uses zip codes and postal code
Is Ghana Zip Code the same as Ghana Postal Code (PostCode)?
Ghana Zip code and Ghana postal code stands for a set of code that is used in sending letters, posts and deliveries to other locations. The main difference between zip code and postal code is that zip code is a term used by United States sites while the postal code is used by other websites that are not US based.
What is the Ghana Zip Code or Postal Code for Ghana?
Like the beginning of this article said, the zip and postal code for Ghana is a huge debate.
It is important to also note that it is very wrong to assume a Zip or Post Code for a whole country. By their mere design and definition, Zip Codes are for subdivisions of a country or larger area.
Therefore to even say “Ghana Zip Code” does not make a lot of sense.
That notwithstanding, some say that you should use 00233, others say 23321. However, we have to note that Zip Codes and Postal Codes are issued by the country’s government mailing service. In Ghana, we have Ghana Post.
GhanaPost recently launched the GhanaPostGPS App which provides a 5 x 5 addressing system for everywhere in Ghana. If you are filling a form for a Ghanaian online shop, I recommend you use the postcode provided in the GhanaPOST GPS App. You can download the app by clicking here: Download GhanaPostGPS App.
Check your precise Ghana Zip Code or Postal Code by also using the browser version of the app here.
Zip or Postal Codes for Popular Areas in Greater Accra Region
We used the GhanaPostGPS App to generate Zip and Postal Codes for some very popular areas in Accra.
- North Ridge – GA015 – GA017, GA028 – GA031, GA052 – GA054, GA076, GA080
- West Ridge – GA050, GA051, GA077, GA107
- Gold Coast City – GA078, GA079, GA110, GA111
- Osu – GA032, GA035, GA055, GA056, GA081, GA082, GA112 – GA115, GA146 – 148
- Victoriaborg – GA143 – GA145, GA184 – GA186
- Asylum Down – GA027, GA028, GA048, GA049, GA073
- Adabraka – GA050, GA074 – GA076, GA100 – GA103
- Tudu – GA105, GA106, GA141, GA142
Using the Zip and Postal Code for Areas in Ghana
However, remember that when filling a form and you are providing your shipping or delivery address, you need to be very specific. The Ghana Postal Code alone will not deliver the package to you. You need to include your area name as well as a notable landmark if you do not trust your house number.
What Happens if I enter this Wrong Postal Code While Shopping Online.
In Ghana, since we don’t have a zip or postal code, you don’t need to worry about it been correct or not. Your items would be shipped safely using the location you provide.
Then another person would ask
The address system in Ghana is not also correct, how do I then get my items delivered to the exact place I find myself?
When providing your shipping address, you begin, with the specific to the broad. This means that you start with for instance H/No. 231 which is your specific location, to Teshie, which is broad, to Accra which is a broader location. Since your house number could probably not be traced, the broader location would be picked for delivery. Sometimes, the item may be shipped to your city Post Office and you’d get a call to pick it
Final recommendations on what to use for Ghana Zip Code
I recommend that you stick with Addresses provided by the GhanaPostGPS App. However, if you are unable to use it, try 00233 or 23321 (which are only backed by hearsay).
If you need help with getting the Zip Code for your area, just comment below.
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Amenorhu kwaku is an author, internet marketer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of SuccessValley, a network community for students and aspiring entrepreneurs. He is also the founder of Republik City News and Whoop, a news portal and a business directory.
