What should be avoided when sending SMS in Ghana?

Avoid sending SMS to landline numbers and contacting users on do-not-call registries.

What does the absence of two-way SMS in Ghana mean for businesses?

Businesses cannot rely on interactive SMS campaigns that require user responses and may need alternative communication methods.

How can businesses maximize the effectiveness of SMS in Ghana?

By ensuring compliance with regulations, obtaining opt-in consent, respecting time zones, and using alternative methods for interactive communication.

Is two-way SMS supported in Ghana?

No, Sent does not support two-way SMS in Ghana.

Can I send multimedia messages (MMS) in Ghana?

MMS is not supported directly and will be converted to SMS with an embedded URL.

What happens if I send an SMS to a landline in Ghana?

You cannot send SMS to a landline destination number. The Sent REST API will return a 400 response with error code 21614, and the message won@apos;t appear in the logs.

What is the ISO code for Ghana?

The ISO code for Ghana is 'GH'.

What is the dialing code to send SMS to Ghana?

The dialing code to send SMS to Ghana is +233.

Is two-way SMS supported in Ghana?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Ghana. While you can send messages to users in Ghana, they cannot reply via SMS.

What should businesses consider when launching SMS campaigns in Ghana?

Businesses should ensure compliance with local regulations, obtain opt-in consent, respect local time zones, and support HELP/STOP commands in the local language.

What happens if you send an SMS to a landline number in Ghana?

Sending an SMS to a landline number in Ghana is unsupported and will result in a 400 response with error code 21614. The message will not appear in logs, and your account will not be charged.

What is number portability in the context of Ghana?

Number portability allows users in Ghana to keep their phone numbers when switching carriers.

Why is it important to respect time zones when sending SMS in Ghana?

Respecting time zones ensures messages are sent during local daytime hours, which is crucial for compliance and effectiveness, unless the message is urgent.

What encoding affects SMS message length in Ghana?

The message length before splitting varies based on the encoding used. Special characters or non-Latin scripts may split messages sooner than those using standard GSM encoding.

What should be done to ensure compliance with SMS regulations in Ghana?

Consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with local laws, obtain explicit opt-in consent, and avoid contacting users on do-not-call registries.

What is the mobile country code for Ghana?

The mobile country code for Ghana is '620'.

What are HELP/STOP commands in SMS campaigns?

HELP/STOP commands allow users to request assistance or opt-out of receiving further messages, and should be supported in the local language for compliance.

Is message concatenation supported in Ghana?

Yes, message concatenation is supported in Ghana, allowing longer messages to be split and reassembled at the recipient's end.

What response code is received when sending SMS to a landline in Ghana?

A 400 response code with error code 21614 is received when attempting to send SMS to a landline in Ghana.

What are the best practices for SMS marketing in Ghana?

Best practices include obtaining opt-in consent, respecting time zones, supporting HELP/STOP commands, and avoiding do-not-call registries.

How are MMS messages handled in Ghana?

MMS messages are converted into SMS with an embedded URL for users to view multimedia content via a link.

Is it necessary to consult legal counsel before launching SMS campaigns in Ghana?

Yes, consulting legal counsel is advised to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

Ghana SMS Guidelines: Compliance, Message Length, and More

Overview of SMS in Ghana

Ghana, situated in the Middle East & Africa region, is identified by the ISO code "GH" and uses the mobile country code "620." To send SMS or make calls to Ghana, use the dialing code +233. While number portability is available, allowing users to keep their numbers when switching carriers, there are specific SMS limitations, such as the absence of two-way SMS support.

Two-Way SMS Support

Currently, two-way SMS is not supported in Ghana. This implies that while you can send messages to users in Ghana, they cannot reply via SMS. Businesses relying on interactive SMS campaigns may need to explore alternative communication methods.

Message Length and Concatenation

Sent supports concatenated messages in Ghana, enabling longer messages to be split and reassembled at the recipient's end. The message length before splitting varies based on the encoding used. Messages with special characters or non-Latin scripts may split sooner than those using standard GSM encoding. Note that concatenation support may differ depending on the sender ID type.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not directly supported in Ghana. Instead, MMS messages are converted into SMS with an embedded URL, allowing users to view multimedia content via a link rather than directly in their messaging app.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers in Ghana is unsupported. Attempts to send SMS to a landline will result in a 400 response with error code 21614 from the Sent REST API. The message will not appear in logs, and your account will not be charged. Ensure destination numbers are mobile to avoid this issue.

Compliance Considerations

Adhering to legal and regulatory requirements is crucial when sending SMS messages in Ghana. Sent advises consulting with legal counsel before launching SMS campaigns to ensure compliance with local laws. Here are some general best practices:

Opt-in Consent: Obtain explicit opt-in consent from users before sending communications, especially for marketing.
Respect Time Zones: Send messages during the recipient's local daytime hours unless urgent.
Support for HELP/STOP Messages: Ensure SMS campaigns support commands like HELP and STOP in the local language.
Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid contacting users listed on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.

By following these guidelines, your SMS campaigns can be both compliant and effective in reaching your audience in Ghana.

Conclusion

Ghana provides flexibility with number portability and message concatenation, but limitations like the lack of two-way SMS and MMS support exist. Compliance with local regulations is essential, and businesses should prioritize obtaining opt-in consent and respecting local time zones. By adhering to these guidelines, you can maximize the effectiveness of SMS as a communication tool in Ghana.