Ghana Urged to Accelerate Decarbonisation of Transport Sector for Health and Economic Benefits

On January 26, the UK–Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme called for Ghana to expedite the decarbonisation of its transport sector, coinciding with the International Day of Clean Energy. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which currently account for nearly half of the country's energy-related emissions, and to enhance public health and economic growth. The transport sector's reliance on fossil fuels and an ageing vehicle fleet, with an average age of 14 years, has contributed to a 15% rise in emissions from 2015 to 2023, costing the nation approximately $3 billion annually in health impacts due to air pollution.

The JET Programme emphasizes the need for coordinated government efforts to promote cleaner transport solutions, including electric vehicles. It advocates for enhanced vehicle financing options and local vehicle assembly to stimulate demand and investor confidence. The programme also suggests revising the Ghana Automotive Development Policy to better support the transition to electric vehicles. With the automotive industry positioned as a key player in this transition, decisive actions are essential for fostering a cleaner transport system that can lead to job creation, improved air quality, and a more competitive manufacturing sector. Overall, the JET Programme's recommendations align with Ghana's goal of achieving a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable transport in West Africa.