By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO
The Ministry of Transport with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has established a Policy Working Group (PWG) to actualise implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Policy.
This initiative aims to advance the national agenda of promoting electronic vehicles, which is focused on reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
The 17-member committee, chaired by Chief Director at the Ministry Mabel Asi Sagoe, will serve as an advisory body for all stakeholders in the sector and equally bridge the gap between policy and practices by executing the 12 specific tasks laid on them.
Their tasks span assessing the state of EV technologies, proposing strategies to encourage adoption of the initiative to awareness creation and capacity building among policymakers and stakeholders, collaborating with relevant key stakeholders and exploring fundraising opportunities and others.
Reports from the SLOCAT Partnership 2023 indicate the transport sector is the largest contributor to Ghana’s CO2 emissions, accounting for 38 percent of the total.
Additionally, the University of Birmingham in a recent research asserts that the country loses an estimated amount of US$1.6billion annually due to air pollution, underscoring the economic burden of inaction.
Mrs. Sagoe noted that the committee would act as a strategic think tank, an advisory body, and a coordinating platform for all stakeholders involved in the county’s sector electric mobility journey.
She also assured the group of the ministry’s support emphasising their commitment to making available all resources needed for effective implementation of the policy.
“To members of the Working Group, I want to assure you of the ministry’s full support. We are committed to providing the resources, guidance and enabling environment you need to carry out your work successfully,” she assured.
Members of the group include representatives from the Ministries of Transport, Finance and Trade, Energy Commission, Ghana Standards Authority, UNEP, Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority, RCEES and others.
According to the Country Director of UNEP, Thomas KanKam, the transportation and energy sectors remain the country’s two highest emitters of greenhouse gases; hence, the organisation has secured funding from its partners to help Ghana combat the global challenge of greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, he noted that UNEP is offering technical support to the interministerial committee through the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES).
Ms. Sagoe urged the group to approach their task with determination, creativity, courage and a sense of purpose – adding that their nominations serve as a unique opportunity to contribute in championing effective implementation of the EV policy.
In response to measures taken to help the group achieve its mandate within the timeframe (2024 -2026), Director of RCEES and Project Lead, Professor Eric Ofosu Antwi, said the committee has created a sub-group within it to focus on four specific areas – regulation and compliance; infrastructure, finance and logistics; capacity building; and awareness creation and campaigns.
