The transition from fossil-based vehicles to electric cars has been identified as a project that can significantly reduce carbon emissions in Ghana. This shift towards electric vehicles is seen as a crucial step in the fight against climate change and promoting better air quality, which can contribute to improved public health by reducing respiratory infections.
During a stakeholders’ consultation in Takoradi, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Alhaji Alhassan Tampuri, emphasized the government’s commitment to purchasing electric vehicles. This effort is being coordinated closely with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance, with support from the Public Sector Reform for Results Project (PSRRP).
Alhaji Tampuri acknowledged that the transport sector plays a crucial role in the economy and social cohesion but highlighted that it has also become a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ghana due to the reliance on fossil fuel-based vehicles powered by petrol and diesel engines. According to data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), as of 2022, approximately 72 percent of registered vehicles in the country are powered by petrol engines, 27 percent by diesel engines, and less than 1 percent by LPG and other energy sources.
The high dependency on fossil fuels, coupled with factors such as traffic congestion, has led to the transport sector becoming a net emitter of greenhouse gases. Alhaji Tampuri emphasized that vehicle emissions not only harm the environment but also pose health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and premature death.
Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change, Alhaji Tampuri highlighted the actions being taken globally to reduce carbon footprints and transition to cleaner modes of transportation. For example, the United Kingdom has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and Europe is working towards ending the production and sale of diesel vehicles by 2030. Additionally, Norway, despite its reliance on oil and gas exports, has committed to ending the sale of vehicles powered by fossil fuels by 2025.
In line with these global efforts, the Ministry of Transport, with support from the Climate Technology Centre Network and the UNEP Copenhagen Centre on Climate Change, has developed an Electric Mobility framework and a draft National Electric Vehicle Policy. These initiatives aim to facilitate a comprehensive implementation plan and investment strategy for a smooth transition to electric vehicles in Ghana.
Mr. Herbert Krapa, the Deputy Minister of Energy, emphasized the importance of electric vehicles in Ghana’s energy transition framework. He highlighted the government’s vision to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2070 and the potential for electric vehicles to create job opportunities, provide skills training for the youth, and stimulate new industries while preventing premature deaths caused by air pollution.
Participants at the consultation emphasized the need for the government to improve existing road networks to ensure smooth travel with electric vehicles. They also called for the establishment of more charging points to avoid any inconvenience in the use of electric vehicles.
Overall, the government’s focus on transitioning to electric vehicles aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change while promoting sustainable development and public health in Ghana.
