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On January 26, 2023, the UK-Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme called for urgent action to accelerate the decarbonisation of Ghana's transport sector. This initiative, coinciding with the International Day of Clean Energy, aims to unlock the benefits of clean energy, reduce emissions, and bolster the automotive industry. Transportation is a significant contributor to Ghana's greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly half of energy-related emissions, with a reported 15% increase in emissions from 2015 to 2023 due to reliance on fossil fuels and an ageing vehicle fleet.
The JET Programme highlighted the severe public health implications of transport emissions, which incur costs estimated at $3 billion annually. It urged government leaders, including Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to support coordinated efforts in revising the Ghana Automotive Development Policy to include electric vehicles and enhance financing options for cleaner mobility. Key recommendations include fast-tracking the approval of policies that facilitate electric vehicle adoption and improving accessibility to vehicle financing for low-income households.
By implementing these measures, Ghana could significantly improve air quality, create jobs, and position itself as a leader in clean manufacturing and sustainable transport. The JET Programme emphasizes that decisive action is necessary for both environmental sustainability and economic growth, making a compelling case for the government to prioritize the transition to cleaner transport solutions.