The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping auto mechanics with the skills needed to thrive in the emerging era of electric vehicles.
Addressing members and leaders of Suame Magazine at the Suame Methodist Church on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, assured them that no artisan or mechanic would be left behind in the ongoing training programs aimed at preparing the workforce for the auto revolution.
He used the occasion to outline key aspects of the NPP’s manifesto, including initiatives on electric vehicles, a flat rate on import duties, flat income tax, the “Gold for Oil” policy, and other measures designed to ease the burden on importers and artisans.
The Manhyia South MP said the fuel and transportation costs are among the primary drivers of inflation in Ghana, impacting variables such as exchange rates, food prices, and utility costs. He noted that transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) would significantly reduce transportation costs, explaining:
“There are two elements that dominate the pricing formula for transport: fuel and spare parts. With the adoption of electric vehicles, fuel costs will become almost negligible.”
He urged mechanics and artisans at Suame Magazine to embrace the shift to EVs, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and the need to adapt as petrol vehicles are expected to phase out by 2030.
Public Transport Transformation
Dr. Opoku Prempeh reaffirmed the government’s vision to move Ghana’s public transport system entirely from petrol and diesel dependency to electric vehicles. He appealed to voters to avoid returning the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, John Mahama, to power, stating:
“Ghana is moving forward, and we don’t want to go back. Dr. Bawumia’s government is committed to digitalisation and transforming our transport system. That’s why I urge you to vote for number one – for Dr. Bawumia.”
Support for Mechanic Garages
The leadership of Suame Magazine’s garages, led by Ashanti Regional Chairman Luqman Nuhu Mohammed Appiadu, expressed strong support for the government’s electric vehicle policies. He emphasized the importance of training mechanics to meet the demands of the new automotive landscape and appealed for government assistance in securing 2,000 acres of land through an Executive Instrument to support the garages’ operations.
He further called on the government to facilitate the establishment of vehicle assembly plants to support the local industry and create jobs.
Progress on Electric Buses
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, had earlier inaugurated Ghana’s first fleet of electric buses on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s public transportation sector. The buses, under the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL), will undergo test operations this week.
Albert Adu Boahen, Managing Director of MMTL, highlighted measures to ensure the efficient use of the electric buses, which are projected to reduce public transport costs by 40%.
This initiative aligns with Dr. Bawumia’s vision of adopting electric vehicles to modernize transportation and create cost-saving opportunities for Ghanaians.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
