Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Agribusiness, has urged vehicle manufacturers to align their production with Ghana’s energy transition goals and provide sustainable transportation solutions.
“I’ve been informed that you are actively developing new energy-efficient electric vehicles to meet the global demands. I urge you to consider assembling some of the vehicles to complement Ghana’s just transition initiatives,” she said.
The Minister made the call at the commissioning of the new Foton Truck showroom in Tema and during a tour of Japan Motors and Volkswagen Ghana assembly plants.
She expressed confidence in the auto industry’s ability to produce climate-friendly, energy-efficient electric vehicles, contributing to Ghana’s goal of achieving net-zero energy-related carbon emissions by 2060.
Mrs. Ofosu-Agyare announced plans to review the Ghana Automotive Development Policy after its five-year implementation to meet market demands and reduce reliance on used vehicles.
“When we did it five years ago, E-Vehicles were not that popular, so we are amending the law to include E-Vehicles, E-Bicycles, and E-Tricycles. We are doing this to ensure that subsidies and tax waivers are also available for E-tricycles or E-motors,” she said.
Mrs. Ofosu-Agyare disclosed that stakeholder consultations would soon be held to integrate the government’s 24-hour economy initiative into the policy to create jobs.
“The automotive industry is ready for investment. We are creating an enabling environment for businesses in the automotive industry to thrive,” she said.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a fully integrated automotive industry, leveraging the country’s resources to produce components and parts for manufacturing.
She highlighted plans to promote after-sales services, recycling, and the adoption of green technologies.
“Our key vision is to focus on technically enhanced local value chain development by supporting the production of raw materials for industry, both agro and non-agro,” she noted.
Mr. Salem Kalmoni, Managing Director of Japan Motors Ghana, pledged support for Ghana’s economic growth through logistics and infrastructure development.
He called for improved policies and tax privileges to produce affordable vehicles and stimulate job creation and skills development.
“Foton has already established a West Africa Training Centre here in Ghana, and plans are underway to develop a West Africa spare part centre to enhance after-sales support and meet the evolving needs of our customers,” he said.
GNA