Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced that the government is working on a policy framework for the use of electric vehicles for public transport in the country.
Dr Bawumia made the announcement on Wednesday, September 27, after visiting SolarTaxi, a wholly owned Ghanaian assembler of electric vehicles in Accra.
He said that electric vehicles will drastically reduce the cost of transportation, as the major components of the cost are fuel and spare parts. Electric vehicles will also reduce carbon emissions.
Dr Bawumia expressed satisfaction after taking a ride on one of SolarTaxi’s electric buses, which can travel over 200 kilometers without charging the batteries. He also said that SolarTaxi is able to convert existing internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles.
“I made the point that electric vehicles are the future and the Government is working on a policy framework of using electric vehicles for public transport in Ghana,” Dr Bawumia said on Facebook. “This will drastically reduce the cost of transportation as the major components of the cost is fuel and spare parts. It will also reduce carbon emissions.”
Dr Bawumia called on Metro Mass Transit, State Transport Corporation, and Ayalolo Bus Services to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire more electric buses.
He also congratulated SolarTaxi on its achievements, saying that the company is a source of pride for Ghana.
“The average age of people working for Solar Taxi is 26 and 90% of their engineers are female,” Dr Bawumia said. “I asked Metro Mass, STC and Ayalolo to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire more buses. Congratulations to SolarTaxi. Proud of you. The sky is the limit. It is possible!”
Analysis
The government’s plan to use electric vehicles for public transport is a welcome development. Electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly and cheaper to operate than internal combustion engine vehicles.
The use of electric vehicles in public transport will help to reduce Ghana’s reliance on fossil fuels and improve air quality in cities and towns. It will also help to reduce the cost of transportation for commuters.
The government’s policy framework for electric vehicles in public transport should be designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles by public transport operators. The framework should also include measures to support the development of the electric vehicle industry in Ghana.
The private sector also has a role to play in promoting the use of electric vehicles in public transport. Private sector companies can invest in the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles, as well as in the construction and operation of charging infrastructure.
The transition to electric vehicles in public transport will take time, but it is a necessary step towards a more sustainable and affordable transportation system in Ghana.