E-Mobility Policy Working Group: Advancing Sustainable Transportation in Ghana
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and associated infrastructure is a critical policy priority for the Government of Ghana as it transitions towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. The rationale for an electric mobility (e-mobility) policy is grounded in several key factors: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, improving air quality, and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts. Ghana’s transport sector is a significant contributor to national greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 17% of the total emissions. Therefore, transitioning to electric vehicles is essential for meeting the country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Benefits of E-Mobility
The adoption of e-mobility extends beyond environmental advantages. It offers significant economic and public health benefits, including reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels can lead to substantial cost savings and enhance energy security. And a reduction in air pollutants from traditional combustion engines can improve public health outcomes by decreasing the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Establishment of the Policy Working Group (PWG)
To guide this transformative shift, the Ghanaian government, through the National EV Policy, proposes the establishment of an inter-ministerial E-Mobility Policy Working Group (PWG). On November 29, 2024, Madam Mabel Sagoe, Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport (MoT), with support from the NDC Action Project, officially inaugurated the Policy Working Group.
The PWG currently comprises representatives from key government ministries and agencies, including those responsible for energy, transport, finance, environment, trade and industry, and standards. Moving forward, the group will include representatives from diverse sectors such as Government ministries and agencies, private sector entities, financial institutions, academic institutions and NGOs. To enhance focus and efficiency, the PWG will establish sub-groups to address specific topics relevant to the National EV Policy's goals.
Objectives of the Policy Working Group
The primary aim of the PWG is to drive the successful implementation of e-mobility initiatives in Ghana by providing strategic direction, expertise, and recommendations. Key objectives include:
- Assessing Infrastructure and Adoption: Evaluate the current state of e-mobility infrastructure, technology, and adoption in Ghana.
- Policy Development: Support the formulation and implementation of strategies to achieve national e-mobility targets.
- Identifying Gaps: Identify regulatory and policy barriers hindering widespread e-mobility adoption.
- Developing Strategies: Propose sectoral strategies for e-mobility adoption and infrastructure development.
- Collaboration: Facilitate cooperation among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
- Monitoring Best Practices: Track international advancements in e-mobility and adapt relevant best practices to the Ghanaian context.
- Awareness and Capacity Building: Raise awareness and build capacity among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public on e-mobility benefits.
- Project Viability: Evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of e-mobility projects, such as the e-bus pilot project.
- Information Aggregation: Serve as a national aggregator of data, needs, and insights related to e-mobility infrastructure and initiatives.
- Pilot Projects: Support pilot initiatives like the e-bus project for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system between Accra and Kumasi.
- Fundraising: Explore opportunities to mobilize financing to sustain the PWG and meet national investment needs for e-mobility.
Strategic Focus Areas
A significant focus of the PWG will be on creating a supportive infrastructure for electric vehicles, including the development of charging stations and piloting innovative projects. For instance, the e-bus initiative for the BRT system between Accra and Kumasi is a key project aimed at reducing transport emissions and achieving the national target of a 10% reduction in transport sector emissions by 2030.
Implementation and Leadership
The Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana, is leading the design, setup, and implementation of the PWG. This effort is supported by the Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy (BASE), building on their earlier work on Ghana’s e-mobility pre-feasibility study under this project.
Phases of the PWG’s Work
- Design and Setup Phase: This phase focuses on establishing the PWG’s structure, engaging stakeholders, and conducting a comprehensive assessment of Ghana’s e-mobility landscape.
- Implementation Phase: The PWG transitions from planning to action by executing foundational strategies and advancing e-mobility initiatives.
