Ghana has developed an ambitious national electric vehicle vision and sales target through a comprehensive stakeholder consultation workshop led by Mr. Daniel Essel, Head of the Road Transport Services Directorate, Ministry of Transport (MoT) and Prof. Eric Ofosu Antwi as Project Lead, Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability. Addressing the stakeholder engagement in his opening remarks, Daniel Essel highlighted the implementation a structured three-phase approach of the government on EV transitioning. Phase 1 focuses on preparatory measures including framework reviews, capacity building, and awareness campaigns. Phase 2 (2027-2035) emphasizes market uptake promotion through incentives and infrastructure development, while the post-2035 period accelerates adoption through regulatory mandates and comprehensive infrastructure deployment. A key government commitment requires at least 60% of all government vehicle purchases to be electric vehicles, demonstrating public sector leadership.
Dr. Felix Amankwah Diawuo’s baseline report presentation highlighted Ghana among 12 African countries demonstrating high EV readiness, despite challenges in grid reliability, financing, and charging infrastructure. He also highlighted Ghana’s current market context which reveals both opportunities and challenges. With approximately 3.6 million registered vehicles as of 2024, over 90% remain fossil fuel-dependent, though existing electric infrastructure includes 2,834 battery electric four-wheelers and 22,477 plug-in hybrids.
During consultative workshop, segment-specific sales targets were set reflecting the nuanced adoption dynamics across vehicle categories. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers, recognized for their dominant role in Ghana’s transportation ecosystem, follow progressive milestones from 5% and 4% penetration respectively by 2025, scaling to 20% and 15% by 2030, 35% and 27% by 2035, 70% and 54% by 2045, and ultimately achieving 88% penetration by 2050. Private cars target 12% Zero Emission Vehicle penetration by 2030, 45% by 2040, and near-complete adoption by 2050. Public transport demonstrates the most aggressive timeline with 20% bus electrification by 2030, 60% by 2040, and complete intra-city bus electrification by 2050. Freight vehicles aim for 8% penetration by 2030, 35% by 2040, and 65% adoption by 2050.
Critical implementation priorities emerged from stakeholder discussions, emphasizing robust supply-side regulations complementing demand-side incentives, alignment with ECOWAS standards, and prevention of aged EV imports. Local manufacturing capacity development represents a central objective for cost reduction, job creation, and import substitution. Financing solutions including bank partnerships, cooperative schemes, and carbon market instruments will improve affordability, particularly for low-income commercial operators. Infrastructure expansion requires comprehensive charging networks with grid upgrades and alternative solutions like solar power, prioritizing major urban centers and high-demand transport corridors. Stakeholders raised concerns about double taxation on charging services, restricted duty waivers, and regulatory inconsistencies that require resolution for policy effectiveness.
The Ministry of Transport committed to integrating stakeholder inputs, engaging with the Ministry of Finance on incentive frameworks, and maintaining continuous policy dialogue. This collaborative approach ensures the policy framework remains responsive to market developments throughout implementation.
Ghana’s electric vehicle vision transcends transportation policy, embodying sustainable development that addresses urban air quality, energy security, economic diversification, and regional leadership. Success depends on sustained political commitment, adequate financing, robust infrastructure development, and continued stakeholder collaboration to achieve this transformative transition toward comprehensive transportation electrification by 2050.
