Kumasi: The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced that Ghana is prepared to begin assembling combustion vehicles and designing electric vehicles (EVs) specifically tailored for African roads. This initiative will be developed and powered by African expertise.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Seth A. Mahu, Director of Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry, stated significant progress has been achieved under the Electric Vehicle Policy, part of the National Energy Transition Framework. This framework is designed to drive domestic EV adoption and establish a local EV industry, encompassing everything from component manufacturing to final assembly.
Mr. Mahu emphasized that the Ministry considers this transformation a national imperative. Electrifying transport is pivotal to the country’s green transition policy and broader industrial vision. It presents an opportunity to cut emissions, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and establish Ghana as a hub for advanced manufacturing in Africa.
Speaking at the 2025 China-Africa Automotive Development Forum hosted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Mr. Mahu highlighted the Ministry and the Energy Commission’s efforts to expand the national EV charging network using solar-grid hybrid models to ensure resilience and sustainability. With Ghana’s abundant solar potential, future charging infrastructure is expected to be clean, decentralized, and smart.
The Ministry plans to provide tailored incentives for private sector investments in this renewable energy hybridized charging infrastructure. Over the next five years, the Energy Ministry aims to deploy at least 100 rapid charging stations nationwide, complementing the existing network of homes and level 1 and 2 chargers.
To create an attractive policy environment for both local and international investors, the government is offering incentives for EV importers, tax breaks for component manufacturers, and support for green industrial zones. Import duty waivers for fully electric commercial vehicles are also part of the strategy to attract capital and expertise.
Mr. Mahu praised KNUST for partnering with Hubei University of Automotive Technology in China to establish the International Joint Research Centre. This initiative aims to develop the intellectual infrastructure necessary for electric mobility. He encouraged the institutions to focus on actionable outcomes through partnerships, research, and innovation, contributing to the development of EV production lines that will influence the future of mobility in Ghana and beyond.
The forum, themed ‘Intelligent Manufacturing of Lightweight Electric Vehicles,’ gathered researchers, students, government officials, diplomats, and industry exhibitors. Participants showcased locally developed or adapted electric bikes, scooters, vehicles, and charging stations.