Ghana Electrical Plug Type Explained

Nov 06, 2025 0

Complicated standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used in the world this article tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to power your electronics in Ghana. This page contains links to instructions which shows exactly how to supply power to your devices when you are visiting Ghana by using their Type G or D Ghanaian 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets.

Ghana is a West African country that is known for its diverse culture, historic sites, and beautiful beaches. Ghana offers a blend of culture, nature, and relaxation that makes it a great destination for travelers looking for something different. Its friendly people, delicious cuisine, and rich history and culture make it a must-visit destination in West Africa.

Before you travel, check the information below to make sure your electronic devices are compatible with the outlet type and voltage.

Ghana uses outlet types D, G at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hz.

Plug Compatibility: Type D, Type G
Voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50 Hz

TRAVEL TIPS FOR TANZANIA- CHOOSING THE CORRECT ELECTRONIC ADAPTER FOR YOUR GADGETS #travel #tips

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Power Plugs and Sockets in Ghana

There are two types of power outlets used in Ghana, these are type G and D with the primary power supply being type G:

Plug Type D - This power socket (also known as a type D power outlet) can be identified by the three circular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
Type G power adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks.

Do You Need a Power Adapter in Ghana?

The type of power adapter, converter or charger that's needed when visiting Ghana all depend on the voltage and type of device that you're trying to power in a Ghanaian power outlet.

You'll need to pack a Type G power adapter for Ghana if the plug you intend on using doesn't fit in a Ghanaian power outlet.

For Visitors from the United States

If you're planning on visiting Ghana from America you will need to bring a suitable power adapter to fit a US plug in a Ghanaian power outlet. US plugs won't fit in a Ghanaian power outlet so you will need to bring a power adapter for Ghana. No - a US plug won't work in Ghana because it doesn't fit into a Ghanaian power outlet without using a plug adapter. The voltage in Ghana is 230 volts, whereas 120 volts is used in the US.

As the voltage is different in Ghana you also need to pack a power converter for Ghana if your device isn't dual voltage and check that it can work with a 50hz power outlet.

Can North Americans use Electronics in Ghana without an Adapter? No! North Americans will need an adapter for the outlets and a transformer for the voltage when traveling to Ghana. North Americans device plugs will not work with the outlet types in Ghana. Also, the voltage in Ghana is different from North American voltages.

For Visitors from Europe

Can Europeans use Electronics in Ghana without an adapter? No! Most Europeans will need a travel adapter when traveling to Ghana. Most device plugs will not work with the outlet types in Ghana. However, the voltage in Ghana is the same as in Europe.

Understanding Voltage and Plug Adapters

Please Note that a plug adapter for Ghana (or power adapter) will change the actual shape of the plug on your device to fit into a plug outlet found in Ghana, but but is unable to convert the voltage from 230 volts to use with another voltage. If your device can't use 230 volts and isn't dual voltage you will also need a power converter for Ghana to convert the voltage from 230 volts to the correct voltage on your device. You will still need to pack a suitable plug adapter for Ghana if your power converter doesn't include the correct Type G power adapter.

If your device is 230 volts or is dual voltage and your plug can fit in a Ghanaian power outlet then it can work in Ghana.
If your device is 230 volts or is dual voltage but your plug doesn't fit in a Ghanaian power outlet then you will need a suitable plug adapter for Ghana such a Type G power adapter.

If you don't know which voltage your device uses then please read the section on how to tell the voltage of your device first.

Warning: If your device won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your device.

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Where to Buy a Power Adapter

Ghana to US power adapters will most likely be available in most major US International airports prior to departure, however the range of adapters might be limited to popular destinations. It is recommended to research the exact type of adapter required prior to shopping at the airport. Look in the travel accessories section of airport newsagents, electronic stores and pharmacists such as Hudson News or Brookstone, but expect to pay more than regular prices. It will be more convenient and cheaper to buy the correct power adapter in advance of your trip.

Alternatives to Power Converters

Even if your electronic device isn't dual voltage it should still be used with a Ghanaian power outlet when using a travel power strip. You will find certain models are able to convert voltage for low wattage electronics. This can make them a cheaper and lightweight substitute for a power converter.

All three power converters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. Voltage from power outlets in some countries might be unstable, a surge in power might damage your electrical items.

BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports.

A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance is incompatible with 230 volts. Power converters are designed for simple electrical appliances which typically generate heat or use motors such as clothes irons, shavers or hair dryers. Power converters are more suitable for travellers wishing to bring domestic appliances abroad such as hair dryers or flat irons.

Travel USB Chargers

If travelling to multiple countries or bringing more than just one device the best international travel charger for Ghana is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Ghanaians use two different standards of wall outlets (types G and D) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type G. Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by changing the plugs over. If your device supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you will benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these travel chargers and additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Normal travel USB chargers include 4 or more USB charger ports, meaning you now only need to bring a single charger to charge all your devices. Travel USB chargers should include swappable plug heads for various countries thereby making them suitable if visiting other countries across Africa which are likely to use different outlets to Ghana. Because of their flexible nature a travel USB charger takes the uncertainty out of travelling to an unknown country as they are guaranteed to work almost anywhere in the world. The power grid in some countries can be unstable, a travel USB charger allows for unexpected spikes to prevent damage to any devices attached to it. Larger USB chargers should also include power outlet strips to use multiple low powered devices such as laptops, but please note these are unsuitable for high powered domestic such as hair dryers or clothes irons.

Certain tablets and cellphones could require more than the standard 500 milliamps produced from a standard 5 volt USB adapter to charge or provide fast charge. A 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions.

Unlike other adapters this means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to pack individual travel adapters. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage.

Additional Considerations

Power Outages

Be prepared for regular blackouts and limited access to power in some areas of Ghana, it is advised to bring a portable power bank if you need to keep your mobile phone charged whilst staying in an area without power or during a power cut. Because Ghana has power outages and having limited access to power in some areas you might find that whichever power adapter you use doesn't function anyway.

For much longer journeys it's worth considering packing an appropriate airport-suitable power charger that can be used with different outlet types, one which can be packed in carry-on luggage and can be used to quickly charge tablets and phones just prior to a lengthy trip. Because not all airlines have power outlets available we recommend bringing a travel portable power bank for recharging on the go.

USB Charging

There is an increasing number of smaller rechargeable electronics such as electric shavers that utilise USB charging for a power source. Therefore if you have to replace a device it might need a USB power adapter so check that your travel adapter has enough spare ports to power these too. Your hotel may have only one power outlet on the wall, this will be an issue when recharging more than one device overnight because you can only recharge a single device at a time then need to swap every few hours.

Solar Power

Whilst travelling to Ghana increased use of mobile phones for taking photos, storing calendars, GPS, social network sharing and streaming videos will syphon off power excessively. The sunshine in Ghana should be suitable enough to recharge solar power bank reliability, but will need to be exposed to strong sunshine to provide adequate power for a single charge cycle. A phone that has been directly plugged into a USB port of a solar backpack can trickle charge the power during sunny spells in Ghana, but this might be inconvenient to have a phone continuously connected in the bag during the day if it is to be used constantly. The durable and flexible solar cells used in solar powered bags are designed to endure bending and scratches, unlike normal firm solar cells.

Recommended Travel Essentials

Be sure to check our list of travel essentials before your trip!

Portable power bank - Portable power banks are invaluable batteries for travel, especially in unfamiliar locations.
Universal travel power adapter - The universal travel power adapter is a versatile single solution for power on the go, compatible in over 150+ countries worldwide. Supplied with interchangeable adapter heads which make them versatile in a large number of different locations. Perfect when travelling to multiple countries. All in one compact design. Easy to use.
Rechargeable hair dryer - Rechargeable hair dryers ideal for travel are lightweight and cordless for mobility, have low-heat settings for hair health, and a fast-charging battery for time efficiency.
Rechargeable cordless flat iron - Modern rechargeable cordless flat irons use advanced battery technology for consistent temperature control.
20,000mAh portable charger - A high-capacity charging device featuring 20,000mAh energy storage, capable of multiple charge cycles for mobile phones and some tablets.
USB-C PD power bank - A USB-C PD power bank utilises Power Delivery technology to facilitate high-speed charging, particularly for laptops requiring substantial power.

WikiConnections is not responsible for any injury or damage caused due to using any type of suggested product with any other electrical device or appliance in any location, full details are available on the disclaimer page. All functions and capabilities should be checked prior to purchasing or using any power adapter. Assumptions on if any power adapter, charger, converter or power strip works in any location is based on data from publicly available sources and if it fits the primary power outlet used in that country. Where possible, WikiConnections only recommends the type of product as being suitable along with alternatives and does not make any endorsement for any specific brand or product. Always check with the manufacturer to ensure full compatibility prior to attempting to use any device.