The day a brand-new Toyota Corolla was towed into his workshop, Master Ibrahim as he’s affectionately called by his boys,knew it would not be business as usual. The engine refused to start, yet nothing looked wrong. Thirty years ago, he would have reached for his spanners. This time, he reached for a diagnostic scanner.
“That was the moment I told myself, Ibrahim the cars are changing and so must you,” he says with a smile.
For more than three decades, Master Hamza has been fixing cars in Accra. He is known as a specialist in Japanese brands Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, Kia, and Mitsubishi. These cars are his comfort zone. “Japanese cars are reliable,” he explains. “They can handle our roads, and their parts are easier to find. Once you understand them, they almost talk to you.”
While he knows Japanese cars inside out, Master Hamza admits there are still some modern European models he hasn’t worked on yet cars like the latest BMWs, Audis, or electric vehicles. “These are like puzzles even for experienced mechanics. That’s why I keep learning and updating my tools so I can be ready for whatever comes next.”
This shift in mindset reflects a broader reality across Ghana’s auto landscape.
Why Japanese cars rule the roads
According to Japanese Car Trade Ghana, Japanese cars dominate Ghana’s roads for a mix of practical, economic, and cultural reasons that go beyond just brand loyalty. Their reputation for durability is especially relevant in Ghana, where road conditions can range from smooth urban highways to pothole-ridden rural paths. Models like the Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser, and Nissan Hardbody are built to handle rough terrain, making them ideal for both city use and travel across less developed regions.
Fuel efficiency is another major factor. With fluctuating fuel prices, many Ghanaians opt for Japanese vehicles like the Toyota Vitz, Corolla, or Mazda Demio, which are known for their low fuel consumption. This makes them more affordable to run daily compared to many European models that tend to have larger engines and higher fuel demands.
Spare parts availability is a game-changer. In hubs like Abossey Okai and Suame Magazine, Japanese car parts are not only easy to find but also relatively cheap. This widespread access keeps maintenance costs low and ensures that repairs can be done quickly without waiting for imports.
Mechanics across Ghana are also more familiar with Japanese brands. Their simple, modular engineering means most roadside garages and professional workshops can diagnose and fix issues without needing specialized equipment. This familiarity reduces labor costs and minimizes the risk of incorrect repairs.
Together, these factors make Japanese cars not just popular, but practical. They fit the rhythm of Ghanaian life resilient, efficient, and easy to maintain. And for mechanics like master Hamza, they offer a dependable foundation even as the industry evolves.
From old models to new technology
When Master Hamza started in the 1990s, car repair was straightforward. A carburetor could be cleaned, a spark plug replaced, and the car would run again.
“Back then, you just needed strength and a good ear for the engine,” he recalls. “Now, cars are like computers.”
Even Japanese cars now come with sensors, hybrid systems, and advanced electronics. Without scanners and updated knowledge, a mechanic can easily get stuck. European brands with software-driven systems, like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, make things even more complex.
“With those cars, sometimes the real problem is not what you see under the bonnet,” he explains. “It’s in the computer.”
Challenges in today’s auto world
Modern mechanics face tough challenges. Diagnostic machines are expensive. Fake spare parts flood the market. And customers often expect quick, cheap fixes.
“The hardest part is when a customer thinks the problem is small,” he says. “But the car is smarter than their phone, and fixing it is not always simple.”
To keep up, Master Hamza invests in scanners, studies new manuals, and even learns from younger mechanics who grew up with the technology. “Even with 30 years of experience, I can’t stop learning,” he says firmly. “If I stop, I’m finished.” he laughed.
Passion that endures
Despite the challenges, his love for the craft hasn’t faded. For him, every repaired engine feels like a victory.
“When a car drives out of my shop smoothly, it’s like I’ve given it a second life,” he says proudly.
His story is one of resilience. Cars will keep changing, but Master Hamza proves that true skill lies in adapting.
“Cars will always move forward,” he says. “And so will I.”
eep learning. Technology changes fast don’t fall behind.
Master Hamza’s tips for young mechanics
A good scanner is worth more than a big toolbox.
Be honest with customers. Explain clearly what their car needs.
Invest in the right tools.
