The Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has revealed that Ghana currently has about 17,000 plug-in electric vehicles usage in the country.
He said this was a clear indication that Ghana was slowly coming to terms with the importance of tackling issues of climate change head-on and moving from Internal Combustion Engine vehicles to electric vehicles.
Speaking to the press, Dr. Opoku said the Ministry of Transport at this year’s COP28 Summit in the UAE will unveil Ghana’s Electric Vehicle Policy to chart a path for EV adoption.
He said several EVs are already in town.
“Already, Ghanaian “trotro” and “taxi drivers” have started the revolution of using gas for their vehicles and at a demonstration held at Movenpick last year, I was surprised to learn that there are currently about 17,000 electric vehicles in this country.
“…Ghanaians are far gone now because it makes economic sense with some of these fleet operators who use EV buses to transport workers to and fro and I have seen many Ghanaians bring these EVs into the country. I have seen Tesla’s being used in Accra.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh
The Minister, in addition, stated that car manufacturers such as Mercedes, Toyota, and others have begun to make and sell electric vehicles as they reduce carbon emissions, efficient for use, and save cost on fossil fuel.
“We are promoting the use of EVs and I’m sure in the 2024 budget, we will hear more from the Finance Minister on the government’s position on EVs. We don’t want to pollute the population as we want a future for our children, health, and a safe environment.”
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh
Electric cars is estimated to save Ghanaians about 50 percent of the money spent on purchasing fuel and also help keep the environment from vehicular emissions.
The Global Trend Of Electrical Vehicles And Ghana
As the world pivots towards sustainable solutions to combat climate change, Ghana is making significant strides in embracing the era of electric vehicles (EVs). The shift towards cleaner and greener transportation is gaining momentum in the West African nation, promising a future where roads are navigated with reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
Ghana’s commitment to environmental conservation is evident in its efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. The government, along with private stakeholders, is actively exploring avenues to create an EV-friendly infrastructure. Initiatives include the installation of charging stations in major cities, promoting public awareness campaigns, and offering incentives to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.
The benefits of EVs in Ghana extend beyond environmental considerations. With rising concerns about fuel prices, electric vehicles offer a cost-effective alternative. The operational costs of EVs are significantly lower than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, providing a long-term economic advantage to both individual consumers and commercial enterprises.
Furthermore, the incorporation of electric vehicles aligns with Ghana’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, contributing to the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By transitioning to EVs, Ghana aims to enhance air quality, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and create a sustainable and resilient transportation system.
However, challenges remain on the path to widespread electric vehicle adoption. Limited charging infrastructure, initial high costs of EVs, and a need for robust government policies are obstacles that need to be addressed. Nevertheless, these challenges are not insurmountable, and stakeholders are working collaboratively around the clock to develop strategies to overcome them.
There is a growing awareness among consumers about the environmental and economic benefits of EVs. Education and advocacy play crucial roles in fostering a supportive ecosystem for electric vehicles.
As the nation navigates the challenges and opportunities associated with this transition, the collective efforts of government, businesses, and citizens are essential to drive the success of electric vehicles in Ghana and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
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