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The Program Coordinator for the Drive Electric Initiative at the Energy Commission of Ghana, Joyce Caitlyn Ocansey, has revealed the urgent need for Ghana to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) to address rising greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
She made this revelation during a stakeholder awareness and sensitization workshop on the Draft EV Charging and Battery Swap System Regulations, where key industry players and stakeholders were engaged on the country’s transition to electric mobility.
According to her, research indicates that the transport sector alone contributes about 50 percent of total pollution, making it a critical area for intervention.
She explained that shifting to greener alternatives such as EVs will significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality and enhance public health, ultimately increasing life expectancy.
“We are currently facing significant challenges with greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in the country. Research indicates that the transport sector alone contributes about 50 percent of total pollution. Transitioning to greener alternatives, such as electric vehicles (EVs), can play a major role in reducing emissions and improving public health, ultimately increasing life expectancy.”
Touching on global developments, she noted that ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to drive fuel price increases, placing a burden on individuals and the economy. She, however, indicated that adopting EVs reduces dependence on fuel, making users less vulnerable to price hikes.
Joyce Caitlyn Ocansey further disclosed that EVs have lower maintenance costs, making them more cost-effective in the long term, while also shielding users from global oil-related disruptions.
On the economic front, she highlighted that the EV industry presents opportunities for job creation, investment and industrial growth. She stated that reducing fuel imports, especially for transportation, will help stabilize the economy and allow for increased investment in other sectors.
“Looking at the global landscape, particularly current geopolitical tensions, fuel prices continue to rise. However, adopting EVs reduces dependence on fuel, meaning individuals are less affected by price hikes. In addition, EVs generally have lower maintenance costs, making them more economical in the long term. Users are also shielded from global conflicts that often disrupt oil supply and drive up fuel prices.
“At the national level, the EV industry presents significant opportunities. It can create new jobs, attract investment, and reduce the country’s reliance on fuel imports, particularly for transportation. This, in turn, can help stabilize the economy and allow for greater investment in other critical sectors.”
Addressing concerns about EV adoption, the Program Coordinator for the Drive Electric Initiative at the Energy Commission of Ghana acknowledged that issues around cost and regulation remain key considerations.
She, however, assured that existing legal frameworks provide clear guidance, particularly on environmental safety.
She cited provisions under the Environmental Protection Agency Ghana Act on hazardous and electronic waste, which cover the safe disposal of EV batteries.
“Concerns about EV adoption often center on cost and regulation. However, existing regulatory frameworks already address some of these issues. For instance, provisions within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act on hazardous and electronic waste cover the disposal of EV batteries.”
Mrs. Ocansey added that the proposed regulations make reference to these provisions to ensure that battery disposal is handled in line with national environmental standards.
“The proposed regulations also reference these laws, ensuring that battery disposal is handled in line with established environmental standards.”
Source: Ghanaweb.mobi
