Ghana is poised to make a significant leap in automobile manufacturing, as the government rolls out plans to establish both combustion vehicle assembly lines and electric vehicle (EV) production plants. This ambitious initiative, backed by strategic partnerships and policy reforms, aims to position Ghana as a major automotive hub in West Africa.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Ghana’s new automotive strategy will facilitate local EV manufacturing, ensuring that electric cars are adapted to African road conditions and are financially accessible. In collaboration with leading energy firms, the government seeks to streamline the EV value chain, including battery production, vehicle assembly, and charging infrastructure.
To boost this vision, Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China West Africa Eco-Drive New Energy Vehicle (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Gecko New Energy Vehicle Technology Co., Ltd., paving the way for a New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Assembly Plant in Accra.
The plant will focus on producing affordable EVs, integrating cutting-edge technology while aligning with Ghana’s goal of achieving a 50% transition to electric mobility by 2035, as cited by Ghana web
The move toward EV production complements Ghana’s expanding internal combustion engine (ICE) assembly industry, which has witnessed significant investment in recent years.
Brands such as Volkswagen (VW), Nissan, and Toyota have established assembly plants in the country, creating thousands of jobs and reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported vehicles.
The government is optimistic that fostering both EV and combustion engine manufacturing will ensure a smooth transition to sustainable mobility without disrupting existing industrial growth.
Speaking at the National Automotive Investment Summit, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Evelyn Kusi, emphasized Ghana’s commitment to becoming a regional automotive powerhouse. “We are not merely assembling vehicles; we are building an ecosystem that supports sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and industrial expansion,” she stated.
Experts believe this shift could have far-reaching effects on the economy, including job creation, skills development, and increased foreign investment. The government has promised tax incentives for companies investing in EV production, as well as subsidies for consumers who opt for clean energy vehicles.
Despite these promising developments, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about charging infrastructure, battery recycling, and consumer affordability. However, the Ministry of Energy has assured the public that pilot EV charging stations will be installed in major cities by early 2026, laying the groundwork for a cleaner and more efficient transportation sector.
Ghana’s auto revolution is expected to have a regional impact, with opportunities for exports to neighboring ECOWAS nations. Experts believe Ghana’s strategic location and growing manufacturing capacity could position the country as a key supplier of EVs and auto components to Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso.
The ECOWAS Free Trade Agreement will allow Ghanaian automakers to benefit from reduced export tariffs, strengthening the country’s role in regional mobility transformation.
With this dual approach to vehicle manufacturing, Ghana is setting a precedent for sustainable mobility in Africa. As the country gears up for mass production, industry leaders and policy-makers remain hopeful that Ghana’s auto revolution will reshape transportation for generations to come.
