By Kizito CUDJOE
The Centre for Extractives and Development Africa (CEDA) is advocating for increased use of electric bicycles and tricycles in Ghana, arguing that this move could accelerate the nation’s shift towards renewable energy and simplify transportation for numerous everyday travelers.
Electric two (E2) and three-wheelers (E3), CEDA said, could transform daily travel for thousands of Ghanaians who rely on motorcycles and tricycles for work and transport.
Samuel Bekoe, who serves as the Executive Director of CEDA, pointed out that the nation's transportation industry plays a substantial role in increasing carbon emissions and stands as the top producer of CO2 within the country, making up 38 percent of all national CO2 emissions.
He noted specifically that two-wheelers (such as okadas) and three-wheelers (like tricycles) have seen substantial imports and usage, notably in urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi, but they continue to be important transportation choices for numerous rural populations as well.
He mentioned that the increasing popularity of okadas and tricycles is still contributing to higher levels of greenhouse gases, even though Ghana has made pledges through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and energy transition (ET) plans.
"The transportation sector continues to be crucial for achieving net-zero emissions in Ghana by 2070," Mr. Bekoe noted additionally. Shifting this sector is estimated to require approximately $550 billion—accounting for 70% of the overall expense related to the energy transition, which encompasses infrastructure development as well.
A significant deficiency in the present system, he pointed out, is the absence of regulations and strategic planning concerning the extensive usage of okadas and tricycles, which continue to operate without much oversight.
It was revealed that between January 2017 & December 2021, a total of 17,660 plug-in electric vehicles and 9,431 motorised electric 2 and 3-wheeled vehicles were imported into Ghana.
Against this backdrop, the Executive Director of CEDA – who was speaking during an interview in Accra at the inception meeting and stakeholder launch of their research initiative -said CEDA’s two-year project, from 2025 to 2027, therefore explores transition pathways for electric two and three-wheelers in Ghana.
The project will review existing research, policies and regulatory frameworks. It will also look to assess long-term prospects for local assembly, manufacturing and servicing, as well as evaluate the potential impact of E2 and E3s on employment and climate goals.
CEDA’s work is supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Climate Compatible Growth programme, a consortium of British universities.
It is anticipated that this project will result in decreased greenhouse gases, aiding in efforts to mitigate climate change.
Additionally, efforts aim to reinforce the regulatory structure concerning E2 and E3 class electric vehicles within the nation. This initiative seeks to enhance the overall business climate surrounding these vehicles and boost their uptake.
The Technical Director at the Ministry of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Cedric Dzelu—who was addressing the matter on behalf of the sector minister—mentioned that the efforts undertaken by CEDA and its collaborators are consistent with the government’s aim to formalize the okada transportation industry.
"I'm extremely enthusiastic about the push for adopting E2 and E3 three-wheelers. Ideally, these initiatives at the policy level should support the minister's efforts to ensure that necessary measures like subsidies, grants, and everything else required to make this happen are implemented," he stated.
Mr. Dzelu added that government welcomes the work of stakeholders such as CEDA, ensuring stakeholder inclusivity and engagement.
He highlighted the significance of obtaining backing from stakeholders to ensure that okada and tricycle operations become more efficient, secure, and comprehensively regulated.
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