The Program Coordinator for the Drive Electric Initiative at the Energy Commission of Ghana, Joyce Caitlyn Ocansey, has disclosed that Ghanaians are already leading the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), even in the absence of government incentives.
According to her, the country’s baseline study recorded a surprisingly high number of EVs in use, showing that citizens are proactively embracing the technology. She explained that most individuals are not primarily motivated by environmental concerns, but by the clear economic benefits that EVs offer.
”Currently, the government does not provide specific incentives for individuals importing electric vehicles (EVs). However, during our baseline study, we observed a surprisingly high number of EVs already in use in the country.
”Interestingly, people are not necessarily buying EVs because of environmental concerns, but largely due to the economic benefits. Many individuals are doing their own cost analysis, comparing the cost of charging an EV for a week to the cost of buying fuel over the same period, as well as comparing maintenance costs between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Based on these calculations, they find EVs more cost-effective and are choosing them accordingly.”
She explained that the trend is particularly visible among ride-hailing drivers, including operators on platforms such as Bolt and Uber.
Mrs. Ocansey further revealed that this behavior shows that Ghanaians are already ahead of government policy in the adoption of EVs.
”For users of ride-hailing platforms such as Bolt and Uber, the economic advantage is even more evident. Charging an EV is significantly cheaper than fueling a conventional vehicle, making EVs a more viable option for commercial drivers. This shift is not driven by government incentives, but by personal economic decisions.
”In essence, Ghanaians are already ahead of government policy in this area. They are adopting EVs because it makes economic sense.”
On the regulatory side, she explained that the draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) for EV Charging and Battery Swap Systems is still undergoing approval.
She noted that while it is difficult to provide a definite timeline for the approval of the L.I., all institutions are actively working to ensure it is thoroughly vetted.
”Regarding the regulatory framework, the process is still ongoing. The draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is going through the necessary approval stages, with various government institutions reviewing it to ensure it meets all required standards and will effectively serve its purpose.
”As such, it is difficult to provide a definite timeline for its passage. However, all relevant institutions are actively working to ensure that the L.I. is thoroughly reviewed and properly enacted. We are hopeful that the process will be completed soon. write a very good news based on my style.”
Joyce Caitlyn Ocansey stated that with ongoing public engagement, regulatory support, and continued private sector adoption, Ghana is on track to benefit from the economic, environmental, and technological advantages of electric mobility.
She made this revelation during a stakeholder awareness and sensitization workshop on the Draft EV Charging and Battery Swap System Regulations, where industry players, policymakers, and private sector actors were engaged on Ghana’s transition to electric mobility.
Source: Elvisanokye.com