Ghana Not Ready for Full E-Mobility Transition – Dr. Godwin Ayetor
Expert warns national grid capacity must expand by 2GW annually as Ghana pursues ambitious electric vehicle targets
Ghana may not be fully prepared to shift its transport sector to electric mobility, according to Dr. Godwin Ayetor, Chair of the Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Mobility Research Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre, KNUST.
Speaking on the country’s readiness, Dr. Ayetor warned that transitioning Ghana’s entire fleet from gasoline and diesel to electricity would place enormous pressure on the already strained national grid. “This poses a significant risk, as it would amplify the current strains on Ghana’s electrical supply system, potentially worsening reliability and capacity challenges,” he said.
Ghana’s National Electric Vehicle Policy 2023 outlines ambitious targets: by 2035, 35% of all vehicles in the country should be electric, with a total ban on importing non-electric vehicles by 2045. However, Dr. Ayetor noted that meeting these projections will require Ghana to expand its energy supply by at least 2 gigawatts annually, a feat that would demand drastic policy and infrastructural decisions.
To support the transition, the Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Mobility Research Group has introduced training initiatives, including the Electric Vehicle Technician Journeyman Program. Launched in 2024, the program equips local mechanics with the skills to become certified high-voltage EV technicians. Beyond engineers, the program also targets policymakers and regulators in the transport sector.
The initiative has already attracted partnerships with Toyota Ghana, GIZ, Solar Taxi, Urban E-Mobility Initiative, Zerosol Ghana, and Smart Watt Company. These organizations have contributed training equipment and technical support to the program’s first cohort. The Centre is also collaborating with the Ghana Standards Authority to integrate the Journeyman Program into national vehicle repair certifications.
Dr. Ayetor further emphasized the critical role of industry players in driving the e-mobility agenda. He highlighted contributions such as Japan Motors’ donation of an EV charging station, but stressed that more sustained support is needed. “Industry can help with expertise, equipment, vehicles, and funding for research and training. We cannot do it without industry,” he urged.
Currently, about 30 postgraduate students are engaged in EV-related research at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre. Dr. Ayetor believes such academic and industry collaboration will be vital to Ghana’s ability to meet its e-mobility goals in the coming decades.
A Plead for Collective Action
Dr. Ayetor called on the Government of Ghana, the people of Ghana, and the nation at large to treat the e-mobility transition as a national priority. “Government must take bold policy decisions, industry must provide stronger technical and financial support, and the people of Ghana must embrace this change with open minds. E-mobility is not just about technology—it is about securing our energy future, protecting the environment, and creating opportunities for the next generation. If we work together as one nation, Ghana can lead Africa in the electric mobility revolution,” he concluded.
Ghana may not be fully prepared to shift its transport sector to electric mobility, according to Dr. Godwin Ayetor, Chair of the Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Mobility Research Group at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre, KNUST.
Speaking on the country’s readiness, Dr. Ayetor warned that transitioning Ghana’s entire fleet from gasoline and diesel to electricity would place enormous pressure on the already strained national grid. “This poses a significant risk, as it would amplify the current strains on Ghana’s electrical supply system, potentially worsening reliability and capacity challenges,” he said.
Ghana’s National Electric Vehicle Policy 2023 outlines ambitious targets: by 2035, 35% of all vehicles in the country should be electric, with a total ban on importing non-electric vehicles by 2045. However, Dr. Ayetor noted that meeting these projections will require Ghana to expand its energy supply by at least 2 gigawatts annually, a feat that would demand drastic policy and infrastructural decisions.
To support the transition, the Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Mobility Research Group has introduced training initiatives, including the Electric Vehicle Technician Journeyman Program. Launched in 2024, the program equips local mechanics with the skills to become certified high-voltage EV technicians. Beyond engineers, the program also targets policymakers and regulators in the transport sector.
The initiative has already attracted partnerships with Toyota Ghana, GIZ, Solar Taxi, Urban E-Mobility Initiative, Zerosol Ghana, and Smart Watt Company. These organizations have contributed training equipment and technical support to the program’s first cohort. The Centre is also collaborating with the Ghana Standards Authority to integrate the Journeyman Program into national vehicle repair certifications.
Dr. Ayetor further emphasized the critical role of industry players in driving the e-mobility agenda. He highlighted contributions such as Japan Motors’ donation of an EV charging station, but stressed that more sustained support is needed. “Industry can help with expertise, equipment, vehicles, and funding for research and training. We cannot do it without industry,” he urged.
Currently, about 30 postgraduate students are engaged in EV-related research at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre. Dr. Ayetor believes such academic and industry collaboration will be vital to Ghana’s ability to meet its e-mobility goals in the coming decades.
A Plead for Collective Action
Dr. Ayetor called on the Government of Ghana, the people of Ghana, and the nation at large to treat the e-mobility transition as a national priority. “Government must take bold policy decisions, industry must provide stronger technical and financial support, and the people of Ghana must embrace this change with open minds. E-mobility is not just about technology—it is about securing our energy future, protecting the environment, and creating opportunities for the next generation. If we work together as one nation, Ghana can lead Africa in the electric mobility revolution,” he concluded.