How can I buy ECG prepaid with MTN mobile money?
Buying electricity tokens no longer means standing in long queues or handling cash.
Since 2021 the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has fully migrated to a cash-lite system, and MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) is now the most popular channel, accounting for 63 % of all prepaid credit sold in 2024.
Ghanapost GPS: How to use Ghanapost gps plus all FAQs
Below is an updated, step-by-step guide that mixes narrative, lists and one quick-reference table so you can top up in under 60 seconds smartphone or not.
Why Use MTN MoMo for ECG Prepaid?
MTN zero-rates the data for both the ECG app and the short-code menu, so you won’t burn bundles while buying power.
Payments post instantly; you receive the 20-digit token by SMS and inside the app at the same time.
If you ever lose the token, the “Resend” button on the history page re-issues it free of charge.
Method 1 – ECG Mobile App (Android & iOS)
The app was rebuilt in November 2024; it’s now 28 MB, works on Android 8 upwards and iOS 14+, and lets you store up to 10 meter numbers for family or tenants.
- Install & open
Search “ECG Mobile” on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Avoid clones—publisher should read “Electricity Company of Ghana”. - One-time registration
Enter email, MTN number, create a password.
An OTP arrives in 15 s; type it and you’re in. - Add your meter
Tap “+ Add Meter” → type the 11-digit meter number (starts with 02 or 03).
Give it a nickname e.g. “Hall 2 Bedroom”. - Buy credit
- Choose the meter → “Buy Power”.
- Select “Mobile Money” → pick MTN from the short list.
- Enter amount (min GHS 5, max GHS 1 500 per day).
- Review the GHS 0.50 ECG levy and GHS 0.75 MTN convenience fee shown.
- Tap “Proceed”.
- Authorise payment
A popup opens on your phone asking for your MoMo PIN.
Once entered, the token arrives within 5 seconds and the units reflect on the meter after you punch in the 20 digits.
Tip: Enable fingerprint login so repeat purchases take three taps.
Method 2 – USSD (No Smartphone Needed)
Dial *226# on any phone—smart, kabuki, or even fixed wireless.
- Select “1” for Prepaid Top-up.
- Type the 11-digit meter number.
- Choose “1” again for Mobile Money.
- Enter amount (GHS 5 – 1 500).
- Type your MTN MoMo PIN when prompted.
- Both token and confirmation SMS arrive instantly.
The whole flow averages 35 seconds; no data, no app, no queue.
| Feature | ECG App | *226# USSD |
|---|---|---|
| Data needed | Yes (but zero-rated) | No |
| Store multiple meters | Yes | No |
| View purchase history | 12-month graph | Last 5 txs |
| Resend lost token | One tap | Call centre |
| Works on iPhone | Yes | Yes |
| Works on basic phone | No | Yes |
Troubleshooting the Most Common Hiccups
Token delayed : SMS gateway congestion happens during month-end.
Inside the app, hit “History” “Resend”; on USSD dial *226# option 4 “Resend last token”.
No charge for either method.
“Meter not found” You mistyped a digit.
The app highlights the faulty box in red; USSD simply loops back so you can retype.
Payment deducted, no token – This is rare now, but if it occurs keep the SMS debit receipt and call ECG’s 24-h call centre 0302-611611; they reconcile within 2 hrs and push the token manually.
How to Register a Dispute or Get Help
Electro-Volta House, PMBox 521, Accra
Call Centre: 0302 611 611 (toll-free on MTN)
WhatsApp: 0500 123 000 (responses in 10 min during working hours)
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @ECGghOfficial (surprisingly active)
