In line with efforts to ensure access to affordability and sustainability – as per the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 – CalBank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), SUNREF, European Union (EU) and Energy Commission have launched energy-efficient motorbikes assembled by Solar Taxi under the SUNREF programme.
In an interview with a Rep from the French embassy, Raphaël Malara, he indicated that this is to support the energy transition process.
He also added that in present times paying attention to energy conservation is very important, and applauded CalBank, Solar Taxi and the European Union for supporting electric mobility. “For us, it is a great opportunity to show that France is committed in the fight against climate change, and in supporting the Ghanaian economy and its private sector,” he expressed.
Irchard Raazaaly, Ambassador of the European Union, also stated during his address at the launch that the European Union builds on the foundations is has set by partnering governments and private institutions to tackle the issue of climate change. “We are committed to investing to reduce carbon emissions, provide efficient technology, and assist in moulding behaviour that positively influences climate change,” he added.
The co-founder of Solar Taxi, George Appiah, indicated that in a quest to find sustainable solutions to the high cost of fuel and transportation, his partners and himself have brought out their first prototype – and that has since been the drive to scaling-up this clean alternative which is affordable, and to help bring down the cost of moving people and goods.
“So that has been our drive – to bring about an affordable and clean alternative for transportation. The bikes are low maintenance, so overall you have fewer maintenance issues compared to liquid-fuel cycles.”
Meanwhile, Managing Director of CalBank, Philip Owiredu, also expressed appreciation to his partners for bringing up such a project.
“We are delighted to have financed the procurement of these electric motorcycles to be used for Solar Taxis. We believe in creating the change we want to see, and these electric motorcycles are a clear demonstration of our mantra ‘We Live and Finance Green’. Together, we can reduce pollution, improve the health of our communities, and preserve the environment for the future. CalBank is proud of its commitment to deliver value and support the aspirations of our customers,” he said.
