The Centre for Extractives and Development Africa (CEDA) has launched a 22-month study to assess Ghana’s readiness to adopt electric motorcycles (okadas) and tricycles (aboboyaa), aiming to curb rising emissions from the transport sector.
Supported by the UK’s Climate Compatible Growth program and Foreign Office, the initiative will analyze policy, infrastructure, and financial incentives needed to accelerate the shift toward electric mobility.
Transport accounts for 38% of Ghana’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that has grown by 14% since 2015. With over 1.2 million gasoline-powered okadas and tricycles operating nationwide critical for mobility in underserved areas CEDA Executive Director Samuel Bekoe emphasized the urgency of electrification. “These vehicles are no longer fringe. Transitioning them is environmentally critical and economically strategic,” he said at the project’s launch in Accra.
The study aligns with Ghana’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, requiring an estimated $550 billion, of which 70% targets transport reforms. Key focus areas include drafting regulations for electric vehicle (EV) standards, mapping charging infrastructure needs, and designing subsidy programs to offset higher upfront costs. Bekoe noted that while electric motorcycles cost more initially, their lower fuel and maintenance expenses offer long-term savings, a claim the study will validate through lifecycle cost analyses.
Private sector engagement is central to the plan, with opportunities in local EV assembly, battery-swapping networks, and renewable energy integration. The research will also evaluate gender-specific mobility patterns to ensure inclusive solutions, particularly for women reliant on tricycles for goods transport and market access.
Ghana’s push mirrors regional trends, with Rwanda and Kenya piloting electric motorcycle projects to reduce pollution and fuel imports. However, challenges persist, including limited electricity access in rural areas and the dominance of used gasoline vehicles. CEDA’s findings, expected by early 2027, will inform a national rollout strategy, potentially positioning Ghana as a West African hub for electric mobility innovation.
The initiative arrives as African nations grapple with balancing climate goals against economic realities. For Ghana, where okada riders form a vital part of the informal economy, success hinges on affordable financing and reliable infrastructure. With global EV investment surging, the study’s recommendations could unlock green funding while addressing a growing source of emissions if policymakers and businesses align to translate research into action.
