Accra: Stakeholders in Ghana's automotive and clean energy sectors have called on the Government to accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and reduce emissions. This is critical as it would help strengthen the country's position as a regional automotive manufacturing hub.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued to commemorate the International Day of Clean Energy, observed annually on January 26, highlighted the importance of climate action in the fight against climate change and the need for increased universal access to affordable and sustainable energy. The statement emphasized these actions are pivotal in stimulating economic opportunities and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7.
The U.K.-Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) programme joined the global community in spotlighting the vast potential Ghana holds to chart a cleaner energy future. It envisions a future that boosts industrial competitiveness, safeguards the environment, creates high-quality jobs, and strengthens Ghana's ambition as a leading automotive hub in West Africa, in line with SDG 7.
As a champion of the Ghana Automotive Development Policy (GADP), the programme appealed to Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to lead the early adoption of coordinated measures. This initiative aims to position Ghana as a competitive clean-energy and automotive hub.
Ms. Terri Sarch, Development Director at the British High Commission in Accra, stated that the automotive sector could be a powerful driver of clean energy transition, industrial growth, and job creation through policies and investments that promote cleaner transport and local manufacturing.
The statement noted that transportation currently accounted for nearly half of Ghana's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, which rose by almost 15 percent between 2015 and 2023. This increase is driven by fossil fuel dependence, an ageing vehicle fleet, and rapid urbanisation.
Air pollution, identified as the second leading cause of death in the country, costs the economy an estimated three billion dollars annually. Ghana has about 3.2 million vehicles, with an average age of 14 years, and imports around 100,000 vehicles annually, most of them used and highly polluting.
Although electric vehicle uptake, especially two- and three-wheelers, is increasing, progress towards a low-emission vehicle fleet remains slow. A mid-term review of the GADP revealed that while the policy attracted about $98 million in investment and established seven vehicle assembly plants, domestic demand for new vehicles remains weak due to affordability challenges and lack of structured vehicle financing.
The statement called for activating Clean Energy provisions in the GADP, supporting the implementation of vehicle financing schemes, and boosting confidence and demand for assembled vehicles. This decisive action would deliver cleaner air, better public health, skilled jobs, and a stronger manufacturing base, urging Ghana to accelerate proven solutions and lead in clean automotive manufacturing.