President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the rapid establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Ghana, warning that poorly planned installations could put pressure on the country’s electricity distribution system.
According to the President, the location and concentration of charging stations must be carefully managed to ensure they do not overwhelm transformers, substations and other components of the existing power infrastructure.
He disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Energy and Green Transitions, is therefore developing a comprehensive electric vehicle policy that will introduce clear guidelines for businesses seeking to establish charging facilities.
President Mahama made the disclosure at the commissioning of the Zonda Tec Ghana Limited Assembly Plant in Tema, where he stressed the need for Ghana’s transition to electric mobility to be supported by proper planning and regulation.
“A few people have started establishing charging stations. If this is not regulated, it could lead to imbalances in our energy system,” he said.
The President explained that the government could not allow charging stations to be concentrated in particular locations without considering the capacity of the electricity infrastructure serving those areas.
“Because if we put too many charging stations in one place without taking note of the transformer and the substation that feed those charging stations, it can imbalance the electricity supply in that area,” he added.
President Mahama said the proposed EV policy would be presented to Cabinet for consideration before detailed regulations are introduced.
The framework, he noted, is expected to provide businesses with a clear roadmap for investing in charging infrastructure while ensuring that new facilities are established in locations capable of supporting their electricity demand.
Beyond regulation, the government also plans to encourage the use of solar energy to power EV charging stations as Ghana seeks to expand electric mobility while reducing pressure on the national electricity grid.
The move forms part of broader efforts by government to create an enabling environment for electric vehicles and ensure that the country’s power infrastructure keeps pace with the anticipated growth of the sector.
