The UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Charles Abani, has commended the country for its progress in raising funds for green climate financing aimed at energy transition interventions to minimize carbon emissions. Ghana’s Energy Transition Model, targeting net-zero emissions by 2070, is estimated to cost $562 billion.
Speaking at the inaugural EV Revolution Africa E-Mobility Conference and Exhibition in Accra, Mr. Abani urged Ghana to build on its successes and secure more funding from the global carbon market.
“Ghana is transitioning from a carbon-heavy energy environment to what we hope will be a clean and green economy. E-transportation offers a great opportunity and is part of Ghana’s energy transition path to achieve net-zero by 2060,” Mr. Abani said.
He emphasized the need for a balanced policy environment to attract foreign investment, create jobs, leverage the value chain for Ghanaian businesses, and harness local innovation. Achieving these goals will require robust public-private partnerships and substantial investment.
Mr. Abani highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in creating opportunities within the industrial value chain associated with EVs and E-transportation. This includes vehicles, infrastructure, and the entire support ecosystem, such as maintenance.
Ghana is prioritizing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These fields are essential for an E-transportation future, and public awareness is key to ensuring widespread adoption.
The government has initiated the transition with an EV policy, but there is a need to re-evaluate and mobilize private sector actors to make critical investments. Creating an enabling environment and doubling efforts in education are essential for developing the necessary skills and increasing public awareness about the value of E-transportation.
Ghana is a leader in climate change initiatives and is currently reviewing its Nationally Determined Contributions to address emissions. This review aims not to constrain the economy but to leverage opportunities for growth and improvement.
Despite the current lack of abundant infrastructure for EV cars and e-mobility implementation, there are numerous investment opportunities. Mr. Abani advised the government to harness its lithium discovery appropriately to attract the right investments in the e-mobility space. Deputy Minister of Energy, John Kobina Aban, announced that the government is investing in key power infrastructure to promote the use of electric vehicles. Speaking at the electric mobility conference, he revealed that efforts are underway to stabilize the power supply to support the widespread use of electric vehicles across the country.
Charles Abani (left) in a discussion with a participant at the event
