The Energy Commission has launched a 60-kilowatt (kW) solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station to advance sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions.
Situated at the Energy Commission’s (EC) head office, the charging station forms part of a joint effort by the Commission and the Energy Ministry to promote a cleaner and more energy-efficient future for Ghana.
Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the initiative as part of a broader and ambitious strategy being spearheaded by the Ministry to modernise public transportation in Ghana.
He noted that the Ministry would pursue initiatives to promote electric vehicles, alongside tackling critical challenges such as urban pollution, high transportation costs, and dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The Minister emphasised that Ghana’s energy transition actions were deeply aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7, which advocates affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, and Goal 13 on climate action.
He said the EV charging initiative illustrated the Energy Ministry’s resolve to meet Ghana’s climate obligations, improve air quality, and build a resilient economy driven by innovation and low-carbon technologies.
Mrs. Eunice Biritwum, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, remarked on the intensifying global momentum for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
She affirmed the Energy Commission’s steadfast mission to drive innovation and regulatory leadership within the energy sector.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the solar-powered EV charging station stood as a testament to the Energy Commission’s efforts to champion sustainable mobility, enhance energy efficiency, and uphold environmental stewardship.
“By harnessing Ghana’s abundant solar resources to power electric transportation, we promote energy independence and directly support our national aspiration of achieving a net-zero future,” she stated.
She reminded the media and the public of their vital role in raising awareness and championing the adoption of electric vehicles, which she deemed crucial to the collective success of this movement.
Dr. Dirk Aßmann, GIZ Country Director, stated that the charging station will serve as a valuable resource to support research institutions, government agencies, and private sector innovators, helping to create the evidence required to scale up electric vehicle adoption across the country.
He emphasised that the facility serves not only for simply charging electric vehicles but also functioned as a demonstration site and a hub for research and innovation.
The Country Director added that the charging station will enable data collection, analysis, and knowledge-sharing, all of which are essential for building a robust regulatory and policy framework around electric mobility.