Arkesel

Arkesel provides SMS and USSD services in Ghana with a developer-friendly API.

Supported Countries

Prerequisites

1. An Arkesel account
2. A USSD shortcode
3. API key from your dashboard

Setup Steps

Step 1: Get Your API Key

1. Log in to Arkesel Dashboard
2. Go to HTTP API → API Keys
3. Copy your API key

Step 2: Configure in StarHash

1. In StarHash Studio, go to Settings → Providers
2. Click Add Provider
3. Select Arkesel
4. Enter your credentials:

5. Click Save

Step 3: Set Up Callback URL

1. In Arkesel Dashboard, go to USSD → Manage Callbacks
2. Enter your StarHash callback URL:

https://api.starhash.dev/hooks/arkesel/{instance_id}

3. Save your configuration

Step 4: Deploy Your Flow

1. In StarHash Studio, open your flow
2. Click Deploy
3. Select the Arkesel instance
4. Click Publish

Session Timeout

Sessions timeout after 2.5 minutes of inactivity.

Troubleshooting

Error Messages

Configure a fallback error message:

1. Go to Instance Settings → Error Handling
2. Set a custom error message
3. This displays when errors occur

SMS Integration

Arkesel supports SMS from USSD flows:

Send SMS from Flow

Use an Action node:

{
  "actionType": "sms",
  "config": {
    "to": "${phone}",
    "message": "Your confirmation code: ${code}",
    "provider": "arkesel"
  }
}

SMS Pricing

SMS charges are separate from USSD:

• Local SMS: ~GHS 0.02
• Check Arkesel dashboard for current rates

Best Practices

1. Handle newSession - Check this flag for session start
2. Echo IDs - Always return sessionID and msisdn
3. Fast responses - Stay under 25 seconds
4. Use SMS - Send confirmations via SMS

Pricing

Arkesel USSD pricing:

• Per-session charges
• Network-specific rates may apply
• Contact Arkesel for volume pricing

Next Steps