Stakeholders Advocate for Enhanced Training Programs to Boost Electric Vehicle Industry

Stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors are calling on the government to make substantial investments in training skilled labor to effectively manage and maintain electric vehicles (EVs) in Ghana. This initiative is seen as crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful transition from traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric alternatives.

The shift towards electric vehicles is gaining traction, marked by the establishment of several charging stations across key locations. Notable sites include the Total Filling Station off Liberation Road in Accra, the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, and a new station near the SSNIT Hospital in Osu. These developments reflect the growing infrastructure supporting the adoption of EVs and highlight the increasing availability of resources to facilitate this transition.

Despite the progress, industry experts stress the importance of having a skilled workforce capable of handling the new technology associated with electric vehicles. Philip Fleisher, an auto mechanical engineer with expertise in electric vehicle repairs, emphasized to CNR Business the critical need for government-backed investment in specialized training programs. Fleisher argues that without a properly trained workforce, the benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles could be undermined by a lack of technical support and maintenance capabilities.

The push for enhanced training reflects a broader recognition that successful adoption of electric vehicles requires not just infrastructure, but also a competent workforce ready to manage and service these advanced technologies. By investing in skilled labor training, the government can ensure that technicians and service personnel are equipped with the necessary skills to support the growing EV market, ultimately facilitating a smoother transition and maximizing the potential benefits of electric mobility.

In summary, stakeholders believe that government investment in training will be instrumental in supporting the country’s shift to electric vehicles, ensuring that the infrastructure and technology are matched by a capable and well-prepared workforce.

Philip Fleisher, an auto mechanical engineer with expertise in electric vehicles, has highlighted a significant challenge facing the industry: the reluctance of some auto electricians to work on electric vehicles (EVs). He explained that while many technicians may be willing to service conventional vehicles, they often lack the specialized skills required for EVs, particularly when it comes to handling the battery packs. This specialized knowledge is not widely available in Ghana, which can make it difficult for EV owners to find qualified service providers.

Fleisher’s remarks come in the wake of Ghana’s approval of the Energy Transition Investment Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at supporting the country’s shift towards renewable energy and electric mobility. As part of this plan, the government has announced the development of a National Electric Vehicle Policy designed to create a conducive environment for the widespread adoption of EVs.

The National Electric Vehicle Policy will be rolled out in three distinct phases. The first phase, running from 2024 to 2026, focuses on overcoming initial challenges to EV adoption. This phase aims to address barriers and lay the groundwork for increased EV uptake. The second phase, covering 2027 to 2035, is targeted at achieving a significant market penetration rate of approximately 35%. The final phase, from 2036 to 2045, will culminate in a complete transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles, with plans to prohibit the sale or import of such vehicles into Ghana.

Frank Atanley Kofigah, Executive Secretary of the Vehicle and Asset Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG), echoed Fleisher’s concerns, emphasizing the need for government investment in skill development for EV operations. Kofigah pointed out that while Ghana has a robust network of mechanics for traditional combustion engines, there is a critical gap in expertise for electric vehicle systems. He stressed that the successful implementation of the EV policy will depend heavily on building a workforce capable of managing and servicing electric vehicles.

The call for enhanced training underscores the broader need for a well-prepared and skilled labor force to support the growing EV sector. By addressing these training gaps, the government can facilitate a smoother transition to electric vehicles, ensuring that the necessary technical support is in place to support the adoption of this emerging technology.

Frederick Mensah, a transport owner and fleet manager who has been operating an electric vehicle for approximately two years, has strongly advocated for a significant reduction in import duties on electric vehicles.

Frederick Mensah, a transport owner and fleet manager who has been using an electric vehicle for around two years, has highlighted a crucial barrier to the broader adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ghana: import duties. Mensah emphasized that a substantial reduction in these duties could accelerate the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to EVs. He pointed out that while the government had previously discussed this issue, a significant cut in import duties would make EVs more affordable and encourage more people to make the switch to electric transportation quickly.

In addition to addressing import duties, Alhaji Abass Imoro, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has raised concerns about the current state of the country’s roads. He stressed that before fully integrating electric vehicles into commercial use, the government should prioritize improving road conditions. Imoro, who is a professional driver, noted that any vehicle intended for commercial use needs to be durable enough to handle Ghana’s challenging road conditions.

Imoro expressed concerns about the durability of electric vehicles on poorly maintained roads. He highlighted that many major roads are plagued with potholes that can cause significant damage to vehicles. As such, he emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of how electric vehicles will perform under these conditions. This includes assessing whether these vehicles can withstand the impact of potholes and whether spare parts will be readily available for maintenance and repairs.

The concerns from both Mensah and Imoro underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to support the adoption of electric vehicles in Ghana. This approach should include reducing financial barriers, such as high import duties, and addressing infrastructural issues that could impact the performance and practicality of EVs in everyday use. By tackling these challenges, the government can facilitate a smoother transition to electric transportation and ensure that EVs are a viable option for all users.

Nana Amoasi VII of the Institute of Energy Security (IES) has underscored the importance of forming public-private partnerships to drive the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Ghana. He emphasized that for the electric vehicle sector to thrive, there must be effective collaboration between the government and the private sector. According to Nana Amoasi VII, engaging with the private sector can bring crucial financial investment and technical expertise necessary for developing the industry. Additionally, he stressed that the government should provide incentives and subsidies to support the sector’s expansion.

Nana Amoasi VII also highlighted the need for integrating electric vehicle infrastructure into urban planning. He suggested that as the country develops its urban areas, electric vehicle adoption should be considered in various public spaces such as shopping centers, market areas, and parking lots. By installing charging ports in these locations, the government can help stimulate the use of electric vehicles and make them more accessible to the public.

In related developments, Herbert Krapa, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, provided an update on the government’s efforts to promote alternative fuels. He revealed that the Ministry is overseeing a biofuel commercialization and industrialization program as a precursor to the broader rollout of the electric vehicle policy. Krapa explained that while the transition to electric vehicles is planned for the future, the current focus is on biofuels, which are considered cleaner alternatives to traditional internal combustion engines. This interim step aims to reduce emissions and prepare the groundwork for the eventual shift to electric vehicles.

Together, these initiatives reflect a multi-faceted approach to transforming Ghana’s transportation sector. By fostering public-private partnerships, integrating EV infrastructure into urban development, and promoting biofuels, the government and stakeholders are working towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.