Volkswagen Ghana has marked its fifth anniversary by launching the new Volkswagen T-Cross, a redesigned compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) positioned to redefine the segment in Ghana’s growing automotive market. The company celebrated the milestone while highlighting its progress since establishment in 2020.
Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Oppong Peprah described the anniversary as testament to the brand’s resilience and growing acceptance in Ghana despite challenges of operating in an emerging market. He acknowledged difficulties but emphasized the company’s successful trajectory over the past five years.
Oppong Peprah disclosed that Volkswagen Ghana has assembled more than 2,600 vehicles locally at its Tema facility since operations began. The plant maintains an annual production capacity of 5,000 units, indicating significant room for expansion as market demand grows.
The company continues engaging policymakers and stakeholders to address challenges related to affordability, financing, and consumer perception. These discussions focus on supporting Ghana’s transition from dependence on second-hand vehicles to locally assembled new automobiles.
Volkswagen currently employs 12 engineers directly at the Tema assembly plant. The company’s entire operations, spanning logistics, assembly, shipment, and aftersales services, have created 81 jobs across various skill levels.
Oppong Peprah revealed long-term plans to introduce multiple production shifts aligned with the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative. He noted this strategy will help drive industrialization, create additional employment opportunities, and support Ghana’s economic transformation objectives.
Volkswagen Ghana currently assembles five vehicle models at its Tema facility: the Virtus, Tiguan, T-Roc, Touareg, and Amarok. Each model serves different market segments ranging from compact sedans to luxury SUVs and pickup trucks.
The newly introduced T-Cross joins the lineup as a compact SUV designed to appeal to younger buyers and families seeking affordable, stylish, and efficient vehicles. The model represents Volkswagen’s strategic positioning to capture growing demand in the compact SUV segment.
The company’s progress reflects broader developments in Ghana’s automotive assembly sector. Local assembly operations aim to reduce import costs, create manufacturing jobs, and develop technical skills within the domestic workforce.
Oppong Peprah emphasized that market acceptance has improved significantly since Volkswagen re-entered Ghana five years ago. He indicated the brand has regained consumer confidence following its return to the Ghanaian market after previous absence.
The automotive sector faces challenges including high import duties on components, limited access to affordable vehicle financing, and consumer preference for used imported vehicles. Volkswagen Ghana’s engagement with policymakers addresses these structural barriers affecting local assembly viability.
The Tema facility’s current utilization rate suggests potential for increased production volume. Operating at approximately half capacity provides flexibility to respond to market demand increases without requiring immediate infrastructure expansion.
The T-Cross launch coincides with growing interest in compact SUVs among Ghanaian consumers. These vehicles offer versatility, fuel efficiency, and modern features at price points more accessible than larger SUV models.
Volkswagen’s local assembly model contributes to government objectives of industrialization and job creation. The company’s expansion plans align with national economic policies promoting manufacturing sector development.
The anniversary celebration included showcasing the T-Cross alongside existing models assembled at the Tema plant. Company officials highlighted technological features, safety standards, and warranty offerings distinguishing locally assembled vehicles from imported alternatives.
Oppong Peprah expressed confidence in continued growth despite economic headwinds affecting consumer purchasing power. He emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining quality standards while exploring ways to improve affordability for Ghanaian buyers.
The automotive assembly sector in Ghana includes several international brands establishing local operations. These investments signal confidence in the country’s potential as a manufacturing hub serving both domestic and regional markets.
