In a move towards enhancing Ghana’s transport sector, the Ministry of Transport has started a nationwide dissemination of the revised National Transport Policy and the Electric Vehicle Policy from the Western and Central Regions respectively.
Addressing participants in these two regions, a Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Frederick Adom Obeng, stated the transport sector's critical role in daily lives and socio-economic growth.
“The transport sector as you all know plays a crucial role in our daily lives, providing access to goods and services to support socio-economic growth and improve quality of life. It is therefore essential that we have well-defined policies in place to ensure a sustainable and efficient transportation system”, he stated.
The Deputy Minister said, the revised National Transport Policy, which received Cabinet Approval in August 2020, builds on the 2008 policy. Initially developed under the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy II (GPRSII) 2006-2009, the original NTP sought to align transport development with high-level goals. However, the 2008 policy faced challenges due to emerging issues such as climate change, new technologies, and digital systems, necessitating a comprehensive review.
In collaboration with other sector ministries and the World Bank, the Ministry reviewed the NTP in July 2017. The review aimed to assess the existing policy, implementation efforts, and gaps within current frameworks, ultimately resulting in a draft National Transport Policy Paper. Nationwide consultations were conducted to gather input from stakeholders, leading to the finalized Revised National Transport Policy, 2020.
He noted that the updated policy focused on several key thematic areas, including creating an accessible, reliable, and secure transport system for all, establishing Ghana as a transport hub in West Africa, promoting sustainable transport, increasing investment in transport, and integrating transport planning. It also stated the importance of research and development, human resource capacity, and the application of new technologies.
A significant aspect of the revised policy is the promotion of innovation and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Acknowledging the global shift towards sustainable energy, the National Electric Vehicle Policy was drafted and approved by cabinet and outlines a phased approach to EV uptake. The phases include addressing initial challenges (2024-2026), promoting EVs (2027-2035), and phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2045.
The Deputy Minister called for collaborative efforts across public and private sectors to ensure successful policy implementation. He stressed the need for coordinated participation to reap the full benefits of emerging technologies, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development.
“As we face the challenges of climate change and air pollution, we must prioritize modes of transport that minimize environmental impact and promote a cleaner and greener future”, he stated.
Accessibility and inclusivity he revealed, remain core principles of the revised National Transport Policy and the Electric Vehicle Policy. Our transport system must be designed to serve all members of society, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status. “With the NTP and EV policy, we will together create a more equitable society where everyone can participate in economic, social, and cultural activities”, he added.
He called on the Ministry and all stakeholders to foster a strong partnership for the implementation of both the NTP and EV Policy for the benefit of future generations.
