When you send money to the wrong MTN Mobile Money number, the clock starts ticking. Knowing how long the reversal process takes—and why MTN can’t fix it instantly—can save you stress and help you act fast when mistakes happen.
The Short Answer: Between 1 and 15 Working Days
The time it takes for MTN to reverse a wrong MoMo transaction depends on the method you use and whether the recipient has already withdrawn the money. Here is a breakdown:
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Self-Initiated Reversal (USSD) | Recipient approves immediately; otherwise escalates to standard process |
| Standard Investigation | Up to 15 working days |
| Simple Cases | 24–72 hours |
The quickest way is the Self-Initiated Reversal, where the recipient approves the return of funds immediately on their phone. If they refuse or ignore it, the case goes into the standard 15-working-day investigation process.
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Why MTN Can’t Reverse Transactions Immediately
Many people wonder why MTN cannot just click a button and return the money. The answer is fraud prevention.
The Fraud Problem
Godwin Tamakloe, MTN MoMo’s Chief Regulatory, Risk, and Compliance Officer, explained that instant reversals are impossible because some customers falsely claim mistakes after willingly sending money .
He gave a striking example: A man who paid his church tithe via MoMo later reported it as a mistaken transaction. When MTN contacted the pastor, he confirmed the payment was indeed a tithe and even issued a receipt to the sender .
Both Parties Must Be Protected
MTN cannot block or reverse funds without giving both parties a fair hearing. “You can’t just block someone’s account without giving them a chance to respond. Both the sender and the receiver are our customers. We must follow due process,” Tamakloe explained .
The 15-Day Investigation Process
When a reversal request is filed, MTN:
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Verifies the claim – confirms the transaction was an error
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Temporarily holds the recipient’s wallet – if they still have the funds
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Contacts the recipient – to hear their side of the story
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Conducts a full inquiry – to determine the legitimacy of the claim
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Processes the refund – if the claim is valid
If the recipient has already withdrawn or spent the money, the reversal becomes much more difficult .
How to Request a MoMo Reversal
There are two main ways to request a reversal:
Method 1: Self-Initiated Reversal via USSD
MTN has introduced a Self-Initiated MoMo Reversal service that puts you in control .
Step-by-step:
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Dial *170#
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Select 6 (My Wallet)
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Choose 8 (the option for reversals)
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Select the wrong transaction
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Confirm your request
Once submitted, the recipient will receive a prompt asking them to approve the reversal. If they do, the money is returned to your wallet immediately. If they don’t approve, the case goes into the standard investigation process .
Method 2: Call MTN Customer Care
If the USSD method fails or the menu option is not available:
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Dial 100 from your MTN number
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Select MoMo Support
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Request a Wrong Transaction / Reversal Request
Keep these ready:
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The transaction ID (from your confirmation SMS)
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The amount sent
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The recipient’s phone number
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The date and time of the transaction
Method 3: Visit an MTN Service Centre
For complicated cases—where the wrong number is not responding, you sent to a merchant, or the reversal is taking too long—visit an MTN office in person with your Ghana Card and MoMo SMS confirmation .
When MTN Won’t Reverse Your Money
Not all transactions can be reversed. MTN may decline a reversal if:
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More than 30 days have passed since the transaction
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The recipient has already withdrawn or spent the money
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The payment was made to a business or service provider (like ECG, DSTV, or Ghana Water) and is considered final
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You voluntarily approved a scam transaction
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You shared your MoMo PIN with a fraudster
Important: The Reversal Scam
Fraudsters call pretending to be MTN customer care and ask you to “approve a reversal” or share your PIN. They may even ask you to dial a code.
Never do this. MTN will never ask you to approve a transaction or dial a code to “receive” a reversal. Approving such a request actually sends your money to the fraudster. Never share your MoMo PIN. If in doubt, hang up and call the official number yourself .
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Reversal Time | Up to 15 working days |
| Simple Cases | 24–72 hours |
| Self-Reversal | Recipient approves immediately; otherwise escalates |
| Report By | Within 30 days of transaction |
| Cost | Free |
| MTN Customer Care | 100 |
| Self-Service Code | *170# → My Wallet → 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does a MTN MoMo reversal take?
A standard reversal can take up to 15 working days . Simple cases may be resolved within 24–72 hours . The Self-Initiated Reversal can be immediate if the recipient approves.
2. Why can’t MTN reverse MoMo transactions instantly?
MTN cannot reverse instantly because it must investigate to ensure the claim is genuine and not an attempt to defraud. Some customers falsely claim mistakes after willingly sending money. Both the sender and recipient must be given a fair hearing .
3. Can MTN reverse money that has already been withdrawn?
Usually no, because the money is no longer in the recipient’s wallet . If the case is serious, legal action may be needed.
4. How can I request a MoMo reversal?
Dial *170#, select My Wallet (6), choose the reversal option (8), select the wrong transaction, and confirm. If this doesn’t work, call 100 with your transaction details .
5. How long do I have to report a wrong transaction?
You have up to 30 days to report a mistaken transaction. After that, a reversal may not be possible .
6. Can I reverse money sent to a merchant or business?
Payments to businesses or service providers like ECG, DSTV, or Ghana Water are usually final. Always double-check before confirming such payments .
7. What if the recipient refuses to return the money?
If the recipient refuses and still has the funds in their wallet, MTN can freeze their wallet and escalate the case. If the money has been withdrawn, recovery becomes difficult
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on September 6, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
