A typical day on the bustling streets of Accra reveals a stark reality: the vibrant energy of the city is overshadowed by the relentless roar of engines and the pervasive scent of exhaust fumes. This cacophony is not merely a reflection of urban life; it signals a growing environmental crisis. The transport sector is a major player in Ghana’s energy-related emissions, contributing approximately 47.7% to the national total. The Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA) is particularly affected, housing over half of the country’s vehicle population, which exacerbates air pollution and poses significant risks to public health.
The reliance on privately run minibuses, known as ‘Tro-tros,’ complicates the scenario. While they provide essential, affordable transportation for about 70% of daily commuters, these older vehicles typically emit higher levels of pollutants, thus intensifying urban air quality issues. This pressing challenge inspired the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) to convene a policy roundtable on January 15, 2025, aimed at launching a pivotal policy paper titled “Enhancing Ghana’s E-Mobility Industry – Opportunities for Green SMEs and Essential Policy Reforms.” This event drew together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, all united in a common goal: to explore the future of e-mobility in Ghana.
The policy paper, crafted by Dr. Godwin Kafui Ayetor and Prof. David Ato Quansah, offered a comprehensive analysis of Ghana’s e-mobility landscape. Dr. Ayetor’s keynote presentation underscored the transformative potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in paving the way for a low-carbon economy. Currently, EVs make up less than 1% of vehicles on Ghanaian roads. However, the potential benefits of a shift toward e-mobility are staggering: a projected 72% reduction in transport-related carbon emissions and the ability to prevent approximately 2,900 premature deaths annually. Moreover, the electrification of the transport sector could generate 84,000 direct jobs through investments in EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Despite these opportunities, the path to e-mobility is fraught with challenges. Dr. Ayetor pointed out that SMEs face significant hurdles, including the high cost of electric vehicles, inadequate charging infrastructure, limited financing options, and a shortage of technical expertise. Currently, Ghana has only seven public charging stations, creating a vehicle-to-charging-station ratio of 2,428:1—far from the ideal ratio of 10:1. Additionally, the average purchase cost of EVs is three times that of conventional vehicles, making them prohibitively expensive for most consumers.
Nevertheless, innovation is stirring within the SME sector. Companies like Solar Taxi, Wahu Mobility, and Kofa Technologies are leading the charge by introducing electric two- and three-wheelers, battery swap stations, and locally manufactured e-bikes designed for the Ghanaian market. This entrepreneurial spirit is crucial for overcoming barriers and driving the adoption of sustainable transport solutions.
Dr. Ayetor aptly noted, “if we are switching to EV vehicles then it also means that we are transitioning the energy from petrol or diesel to electricity.” This transition necessitates a careful examination of the electricity generation sector’s viability. As the demand for power surges, the pressure on the national grid could increase, raising concerns about reliability and quality. Ghana’s system average interruption frequency, which measures outages, is currently less than encouraging.
The roundtable discussion yielded actionable policy recommendations aimed at accelerating e-mobility adoption in Ghana. Key proposals include reducing import duties on EVs, expanding charging infrastructure with a focus on renewable energy, establishing affordable green loan programs for SMEs, and providing technical training to bridge skill gaps in EV maintenance and charging infrastructure management.
GCIC’s roundtable serves as an essential platform for policy advocacy, promoting evidence-based recommendations to reshape Ghana’s e-mobility landscape. As the country aims for a 70% EV penetration rate by 2045, the insights generated from this discussion could catalyze a significant transformation in the transport sector, fostering a resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon economy. The future of Ghana’s e-mobility sector hinges on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, and the time to act is now.
