EC, GSA to intensify public education on standardized charging station for EV rollout

The Energy Commission(EC) and Ghana Standard Authority(GSA) are set to intensify public education on required standards for electrical vehicle charging stations. 

Charging stations will be urgently needed at standardized designated points for charging Electric Vehicles, according to Doris Edem Agbevivi, Lead Project Coordinator for the Drive Electric Initiative.

Currently, there are few electric vehicles in the country owned by some individuals.

However, the challenge has to do with charging outlets along major roads across the country.

However, the Lead Project Coordinator of, the Electric Drive Initiative,  Madam Doris Agbevivi disclosed that processes were underway to ensure that standardized charging stations are installed ahead of a rollout of Electric Vehicles.

The measure, she disclosed is part of the determinants to ascertaining Ghana's preparedness in ensuring the reduction or elimination of carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector.

A total rollout, she observed will impact heavily on Ghana's electricity demand therefore urging the country to leverage a cleaner source of energy will be needed to complement the available energy sources.

She added that Ghana is committed to contributing its quota to the reduction of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Madam Agbevivi made the disclosure last Monday, December 11, 2023, after a live TV discussion on Citi TV on the topic: "Ghana's Journey to Net Zero" where she allays the fears of mechanics of job losses should the Electric Vehicles be fully rolled out. 

According to her, the rollout will spring up other employment avenues in addition to what already existed for mechanics.

Madam Agbevivi explained that the rationale behind the move was to ensure the country reduces carbon emissions through transportation.

Currently, she disclosed that there are 6 charging stations installed in the country including the one at Kempisky Hotels.

On the trade, she said various continents have created trade blocks therefore urging Ghana to leverage on what she termed, the "South-South Cooperations" trade route to derive the full benefits from countries that need what Ghana has to offer.

The Project Coordinator was optimistic that along the suggested South-South trade route, there will be countries that will need raw materials and other products from Ghana.

She said if a factory transitions from using fuel in powering their production plants, that factory will become competitive in business.