The governing New Patriotic Party’s Bono Regional Organiser, Evans Afari Gyan Yeboah, has called for increased investment in unlocking Ghana’s e- transport potential in light of the recent withdrawal of emissions tax in the country.
This move, he contended, shines a spotlight on the transportation sector, and presents an opportunity for Ghana to adopt sustainable transportation solutions for a greener and more efficient future.
In an article submitted to this newspaper, Mr. Yeboah highlighted the myriad of challenges facing Ghana’s transportation sector, including pollution, congestion, and a dependence on fossil fuels.
He emphasised that the withdrawal of emissions tax underscores the urgent need for a shift towards cleaner, safer and more convenient alternatives.
Investing in e-transport infrastructure, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), offers a promising solution to Ghana’s transportation woes. EVs boast lower emissions, reduced operating costs, and enhanced energy efficiency.
Mr. Yeboah pointed to countries like Norway and China, which have successfully demonstrated the transformative impact of e-transport investment, as examples for Ghana to follow.
E-transport infrastructure
The Ghanaian government, Mr. Yeboah stressed, plays a crucial role in facilitating investment in e-transport infrastructure. He proposed policy measures such as tax incentives, subsidies and regulatory frameworks to incentivize private sector involvement.
Moreover, fostering public-private partnerships is essential for effectively implementing large-scale e-transport projects. He noted that the potential impact of investing in e-transport infrastructure in Ghana is significant.
He said beyond creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth, it can also mitigate environmental pollution, improve public health, and promote the development of local companies with the technical and financial resources to invest.
Embracing e-transport aligns with Ghana’s sustainable development goals, and demonstrates its commitment to combating climate change.
Mr. Yeboah further underscored that the withdrawal of emissions tax in Ghana presents a unique opportunity to prioritize investment in sustainable transportation infrastructure.
He called on stakeholders, including the government and private sector, to unite in realizing Ghana’s e-transport potential, and building a brighter future for generations to come.