Posts tagged: Energy

HATOF Foundation participated in a workshop on Ghana’s Supply Side Regulation for Electric Vehicles, organised by the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) under the Moving Impact Project.

The workshop, held on 2 March 2026 at the Ministry of Transport in Accra, brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organisations from Ghana and the United Kingdom to discuss strategies for advancing electric mobility across Sub-Saharan Africa.

HATOF Foundation was represented at the workshop by its Senior Programmes, Partnerships and Climate Change Officer, reaffirming the organisation’s continued engagement in climate policy dialogue, sustainable mobility initiatives, and green development advocacy.

Strengthening Ghana’s Electric Mobility Ecosystem

The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to examine Ghana’s emerging electric mobility landscape and the policy frameworks being developed to support the transition to cleaner transport systems.

Participants discussed the growing importance of electric mobility in addressing environmental challenges, particularly the transport sector’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. With the transport sector accounting for a significant share of energy-related emissions in Ghana, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents an opportunity to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and strengthen energy efficiency.

Presentations during the workshop highlighted Ghana’s early progress in developing an electric vehicle market, including increasing registration of electric vehicles such as plug-in hybrid vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and electric two-wheelers.

Policy and Regulatory Developments

A key focus of the workshop was Ghana’s National Electric Vehicle Policy, which outlines the country’s vision for promoting the adoption and utilisation of safe, affordable electric vehicles.

The policy seeks to promote sustainable EV demand, strengthen EV supply chains, support research and innovation, develop human capital, and position Ghana as a potential hub for lithium-ion battery production. It also proposes a phased implementation strategy aimed at gradually increasing electric vehicle penetration across the national vehicle fleet.

Participants also discussed proposed Supply-Side Regulations, including the introduction of a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Sales Standard, which would require vehicle importers and manufacturers to include a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles in their sales portfolios. The regulation is expected to support the steady supply of cleaner vehicles and prevent Ghana from becoming a destination for high-emission vehicles.

Infrastructure and Investment Opportunities

The workshop further explored the infrastructure and investment requirements necessary to support the growth of electric mobility in Ghana.

Stakeholders highlighted the need to expand EV charging infrastructure across the country, including public charging stations in urban centres, charging networks along major transport corridors, and battery-swapping facilities.

Discussions also identified several opportunities for private sector investment within the EV ecosystem, including vehicle assembly, battery production and recycling, charging infrastructure development, and software platforms for fleet and charging management.

In addition, participants explored innovative financing mechanisms that could support the transition to electric mobility, including the potential establishment of a Green Transport Development Fund to finance infrastructure development, research, and incentives for EV adoption.

Advancing Sustainable Transport in Ghana

The workshop underscored the importance of coordinated policy frameworks, regulatory reforms, and private sector participation in accelerating the adoption of electric mobility.

For HATOF Foundation, participation in the workshop provided valuable insights into emerging opportunities within Ghana’s sustainable transport sector and reinforced the organisation’s commitment to supporting climate-friendly development pathways.

HATOF Foundation continues to engage in national and international policy dialogues that contribute to climate action, sustainable energy systems, and environmentally responsible development in Ghana and across Africa.

Honourable Guests, Distinguished Partners, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is both an honour and a profound responsibility to speak today on behalf of Civil Society Organisations as we mark the launch of the Accelerating Solar Action Program (ASAP)— a milestone not only for Ecobank Ghana but for Ghana’s sustainable development journey.

ASAP is not merely another development intervention. It represents a bold, strategic step forward in Ghana’s climate and energy transition journey – signalling Ghana’s readiness to align policy, finance, and implementation to expand access to clean, affordable energy—especially for underserved households, MSMEs, and productive sectors.

Like many developing economies, Ghana faces a dual challenge: reducing the growing impacts of climate change while ensuring that all citizens enjoy equitable access to reliable energy. Our reliance on fossil fuel-based thermal generation continues to expose us to GHG emissions and economic volatility. Renewable energy—though rich in potential—still lags in mainstream deployment.

ASAP marks a turning point, seeking to scale distributed solar power solutions, enable productive energy use, and unlock new opportunities for growth, resilience, and low-carbon development.

But ladies and gentlemen, beyond policy and infrastructure, people remain at the heart of this mission.

For the micro-entrepreneur facing high energy costs, for the irrigation cooperative dealing with power reliability issues, and for the youth pursuing green job opportunities—ASAP provides potential solutions and opportunities.  And it is here that civil society’s role becomes critical.

As CSOs, we are the bridge between planning and participation, between financing and lived experience. We play a vital role in ensuring that awareness creation, capacity building, and local engagement are inclusive and effective. We must also champion transparency—ensuring that the program is implemented with strong environmental and social safeguards, and that vulnerable groups, particularly women and off-grid communities, are not left behind.

I am particularly proud to reflect on the long-standing collaboration between Ecobank and HATOF Foundation. I had the opportunity to support the development of the Bank’s GCF Accredited Entity Work Programme—a pivotal instrument that has helped shape its climate finance direction and align with national priorities. I also had the privilege of providing pro-bono advisory services during the Bank’s accreditation process, which successfully positioned Ecobank as Ghana’s first GCF-accredited financial institution.

Moreover, I was pleased to recommend and facilitate the participation of civil society organizations in the Bank’s maiden Sustainability Week Celebration in March 2024—an event that reflected Ecobank’s openness to inclusive dialogue and reinforced the critical role of CSOs in climate governance and policy influence.

I wish to commend Ecobank Ghana for the deliberate inclusion of community voices and local context in this journey. Looking ahead, HATOF Foundation and our civil society partners remain committed to supporting the rollout of ASAP in collaboration with Ecobank Ghana, the Energy Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders.

Together, we must ensure this becomes a replicable model that not only contributes to our NDCs and the Renewable Energy Master Plan but also accelerates progress toward universal energy access by 2030.

Let me conclude by saying this: the climate crisis demands more than policy—it demands partnerships, leadership, and sustained commitment. ASAP represents all three. I encourage all stakeholders—government, private sector, CSOs, and communities—to rally behind this landmark initiative and ensure its success across Ghana and beyond.

Thank you, and congratulations once again to Ecobank Ghana on this historic achievement.