Ghana is making significant strides in its transition to electric mobility, with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition implementing a comprehensive strategy to position the country as a leader in Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. At the recent 2025 China-Africa Automotive Development Forum in Kumasi, Director Seth A. Mahu outlined several groundbreaking initiatives that demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

Building a Robust Charging Infrastructure Network

The cornerstone of Ghana’s EV strategy involves developing an extensive charging infrastructure network across the country. The Ministry plans to deploy at least 100 rapid charging stations nationwide over the next five years, complementing the existing network of home and Level 1/2 chargers already spreading through urban centers . What makes this initiative particularly innovative is its integration with renewable energy sources.

Recognizing Ghana’s abundant solar potential, the Ministry is implementing solar-grid hybrid models for charging stations. This approach ensures resilience against power fluctuations while maintaining environmental benefits. The decentralized nature of this infrastructure plan means charging points will be strategically located not just along major highways but also in urban centers, business districts, and residential areas .

Policy Framework and Incentive Programs

Ghana’s National Energy Transition Framework provides the policy foundation for EV adoption, with the Electric Vehicle Policy serving as its implementation roadmap. The government is creating an attractive investment climate through several key measures:

• Import duty waivers for commercial EVs to reduce acquisition costs
• Tax breaks for component manufacturers to encourage local production
• Support for establishing green industrial zones dedicated to EV manufacturing
• Financial incentives for private sector investment in charging infrastructure

These policies align with Ghana’s broader commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 compared to business-as-usual scenarios . The Ministry views transport electrification as both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity to develop cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities.

International Partnerships with Local Manufacturing

Ghana is actively pursuing international collaborations to accelerate its EV transition. A notable example is the partnership between Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and China’s Hubei University of Automotive Technology to establish an International Joint Research Centre for electric mobility .

This collaboration focuses on building local intellectual capacity through:

• Technology transfer programs
• Joint research initiatives
• Development of EV production lines tailored for African conditions
• Training programs for engineers and technicians

Beyond infrastructure and policy, Ghana is making bold moves to develop domestic EV manufacturing capabilities. The Ministry has affirmed the country’s readiness to assemble combustion vehicles while simultaneously designing EVs specifically for African roads .

This dual approach recognizes the transitional nature of the automotive market while positioning Ghana for future leadership in EV production. The strategy includes:

• Developing local component manufacturing ecosystems
• Establishing final assembly plants
• Creating specialized industrial zones for green automotive technologies
• Supporting homegrown innovations like solar-powered charging solutions

This strategy is closely tied to its broader renewable energy objectives. The “Government Goes Solar” initiative, part of a GH₵1.2 billion energy sector reform package, will complement EV infrastructure by increasing clean energy generation capacity . This integrated approach ensures that Ghana’s transportation electrification contributes meaningfully to emissions reduction goals.

Looking Ahead: Ghana’s EV Roadmap

The Ministry has outlined a phased implementation plan for its EV Policy:

1. 2024-2026 (Preparatory Phase): Focus on addressing barriers to EV uptake through infrastructure development and policy refinement
2. 2027-2035 (Transition Phase): Target of 35% EV penetration rate in new vehicle sales
3. 2036-2045 (Maturation Phase): Complete transition with no new petrol or diesel vehicles imported or sold

As Ghana continues to implement these comprehensive measures, the country is positioning itself not just as an EV adopter but as a potential hub for electric mobility innovation in West Africa. The success of these initiatives could serve as a model for other African nations navigating their own energy transitions.