Ghana’s Electric Bus Initiative Faces Roadblocks: Only 40% Operational
Ghana’s aspirations for a greener, more sustainable public transport system recently hit a snag, as revealed by Deputy Minister-designate of Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey. During her vetting by the Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, 2025, she disclosed a significant challenge facing the nation’s nascent electric bus fleet. Out of an initial order of 100 electric buses by the previous government, only 10 have so far been delivered to Ghana. More concerning, however, is the revelation that a mere four of these ten buses are currently operational, casting a shadow over the immediate future of electric mobility within the country’s urban centers.
Unpacking the Operational Hurdles and Future Commitments
The non-operational status of six of these crucial electric vehicles stems from critical issues with their charging systems. This technical fault has rendered over half of the delivered fleet unusable, preventing Ghana from fully leveraging these eco-friendly alternatives for public transportation. Fortunately, Ms. Affo-Toffey assured the committee that the sector Minister has already engaged with the supplier company to resolve these technical discrepancies, indicating proactive steps are being taken to rectify the situation. Emphasizing Ghana’s commitment to embracing electric vehicles as the “new norm” in modern transport, the Deputy Minister-designate affirmed her dedication, stating that if approved, she would collaborate closely with the Minister to accelerate the country’s transition to widespread electric vehicle adoption. This strategic push is vital for West Africa, where sustainable transport solutions are increasingly becoming a priority for environmental resilience and urban development.
While the current operational rate of Ghana’s electric bus fleet presents an immediate challenge, the government’s acknowledged commitment to resolving these issues and pushing forward with the electric vehicle agenda offers a hopeful outlook. Overcoming these initial technical and logistical hurdles will be crucial for building confidence in green public transport solutions. As Ghana aims to lead the charge in sustainable mobility within the African tech landscape, ensuring the full functionality of its existing electric bus fleet is a critical step towards realizing a cleaner, more efficient transportation future.
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