Ghana integrates EVs into its transport system

Ghana has launched a pilot programme in Accra to introduce electric vehicles to the country's transportation system. To this end, Ghana’s Vice President has inaugurated ten out of 100 electric buses.

electric buses ankai accra ghana 2024 1400x933 — Image: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Metro Mass Transit (MMT) will operate the ten fleets of electric buses as part of Ghana’s effort to reduce CO2 emissions and provide commuters with the cheapest means of transportation. The transit company has also installed charging stations in Adentan and Ashiaman. Local media, Ghanaweb, reported that the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) would support MMT by managing operations in terminals and charging stations.

This pilot phase will see the electric vehicles operate on routes to and from the suburbs of Adenta and Ashaiman. The country still plans to expand its fleet to 100 electric buses. After the pilot programme’s performance evaluation, and once successful, a nationwide rollout will begin.

During the inauguration event, Ghana’s Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia said these new electric vehicles would significantly cut the cost of public transport fares by 40% to 50% due to lower operating costs. He explained that introducing the electric buses is part of the government’s broader vision to reduce the cost of living.”

The electric-powered buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70%. Local media, myjoyonline, reported that the Ghanaian Government would form partnerships with Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) institutions to train technical staff to serve as the workforce for the management and operation of EVs. Bawumia said: “This initiative is not just about buses; It’s about creating a sustainable and inclusive future for all Ghanaians.”

While it is not explicitly stated, it is clear from the images that the buses now delivered are from Chinese manufacturer Ankai, which belongs to the JAC Group, a Chinese cooperation partner of Volkswagen. However, the exact Ankai bus model is not recognisable from the images. Ankai has been active in Africa for over 20 years. According to its own information, it has already delivered over 4,000 buses to Africa and cites a delivery to the Ghanaian military.

myjoyonline.com, energynewsafrica.com, ghanaweb.com, linkedin.com