Abubakari Sualihu, a local mechanic who runs a small mechanic shop in Tamale, has successfully built a four-seater vehicle from scratch using locally sourced materials and basic tools.
According to Graphic Online, he spent 13 months assembling the car, which is yet to be branded, using limited resources and online tutorials. The project, which cost him over GH¢26,000, showcases his creativity and potential to contribute to sustainable and affordable vehicle production in Ghana.
The vehicle, powered by an Apsonic motor engine, was inspired by a video Sualihu watched from a Chinese YouTuber. He turned a simple sketch on paper into a working car fit for everyday errands. Sualihu’s wife encouraged him to complete the project, but his workshop lacked essential machines and equipment, restricting his capacity to do more.
Graphic Online reports that Sualihu has already designed two additional vehicles and hopes to build them if he receives the necessary support. He also dreams of pursuing formal studies in engineering to sharpen his skills and make an even greater impact.
Dr. Vincent Akolbire Atindana, a lecturer at the Automotive Engineering Department of the Tamale Technical University, praised Sualihu’s efforts and urged stakeholders to help him realize his dreams. He added that supporting local vehicle assembly can boost the local economy and create jobs for many young people with similar talents and interests.
Residents in Ghana have praised a mechanic for his initiative to promote local vehicle assembly, calling it a promising move. One urged universities offering engineering programs to collaborate with local mechanics to help them develop their skills and contribute to the local industry.
Ibrahim Kassim, another resident, believes that the mechanic could accomplish even greater things for Ghana with proper mentorship and support. He praised the mechanic’s achievements, stating that many people studying engineering at top universities have not produced anything like this. Sualihu has appealed to the government, philanthropists, institutions, and the general public to help him develop the skills to create jobs and contribute more to the local economy.
