Fredrick Obeng Adom with some of the participants
The Ministry of Transport has emphasised that the National Transport Policy (NTP) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy will transform the future of transportation in the country.
According to the Ministry, the two policies would drive the country’s resolve to move towards a greener world.
Deputy Minister for Transport, Fredrick Obeng Adom, stated this at a regional dissemination workshop on the Revised National Transport and Electric Vehicle policies, held in Takoradi.
It was aimed at fostering a strong partnership for the implementation of the National Transport and Electric Vehicle policies to maximise inclusive development outcomes for both current and future generations of Ghanaians.
He explained that it was essential that the ministry had well-defined policies in place to ensure a sustainable and efficient transportation system.
Mr. Adom said one of the key focuses of the revised National Transport Policy is to promote innovation and the adoption of new technologies in the transport sector including electric vehicles.
“Globally, there is a common understanding that the present energy landscape is unsustainable and poses significant challenges to our environment, economy, and future generations.
“Therefore, through collaborative efforts and in line with the National Energy Transition Plan, we have developed the national electric vehicle policy to guide the uptake of electric vehicles in the country,” he added.
He stated that with the challenges of climate change and air pollution, the country must prioritise modes of transport that minimise environmental impact and promote a cleaner, greener future.
He revealed that after the year 2045, no new petrol and diesel cars and vans would be sold or imported into the country.
The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah mentioned that the evolution of the transport sector for decades relied heavily on coal at the time locomotive engines were heavily used.
“We have all been recently informed about the discovery of Lithium in commercial quantities in the Central Region,” the Minister added.
He proposed policy integration between the Transport and Lands and Natural Resources ministries to ensure that Lithium is processed and cheap Lithium batteries manufactured in Ghana to facilitate the smooth take off of the policies.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi