A Team of researchers from the University of Ghana has put together a toolkit to guide discussion and stakeholder engagement in the process of transitioning from fossil fuel to electric vehicles will look like in Ghana and some advantages and disadvantages it comes with.
During the introduction of the toolkit, Gideon Ayettey one of the researchers indicated that although climate change is a global challenge there’s an argument that Africa is the least contributor to climate change.
“But we all agree that we are the most affected group in the world. When we look at the various effects of climate change, it is imperative that African countries have to put in place good measures which can actually reduce the effect of climate change”.
He mentioned for Ghana, the transport sector has been found to be the major contributor to our greenhouse gases which has led to the changes in our climate hence there is a call for an urgent transition clean and sustainable transport system.
He noted that it is important for all stakeholders to be included irrespective of their background and what they do, so their voices can be heard because everyone will be affected once the transition from fossil fuel to electric vehicles is done.
Another member of the team Paul Anartey highlighted that the Just Transition Toolkit was developed to specifically guide the transition process in the transport sector of Ghana.
He further added it is urgent to gradually transition to cleaner transportation in Ghana due to high greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution associated with the current transport space, it is equally important that the transition process be managed in such a manner that the livelihoods and income of workers in the transport sector are protected.
The toolkit outlines that the process of planning a just transition in the transport sector should include Raising Awareness, developing a Socially Inclusive Vision, outlining a Pathway, and Setting Clear Targets among others. The Toolkit can be accessed at
He concluded that the toolkit is intended to guide decision-makers.
“It’s going to be a guide it’s not a final solution. It’s just going to guide in terms of stakeholder engagement, financing, when it starts who we should contact and who should be involved in this conversation” he said.
In a joint press release issued on Wednesday, the Ghana Committed Drivers Association and the True Drivers Union raised their collective voice against the recent tax waiver policy announced by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as part of the Budget and Economy Policy for 2024.
The private commercial transport operators fear, the introduction of EVs will lead to increased competition, potentially causing the collapse of their businesses due to what they perceive as unfavorable economic policies of the government.