The Centre for Extractives and Development Africa (CEDA) has kicked off a comprehensive 22-month research initiative aimed at facilitating the country’s transition to electric two- and three-wheelers.
With the support of the Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) programme and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the project will explore the full spectrum of Ghana’s readiness and potential to adopt electric motorcycles and tricycles popularly known as Okada and Aboboyaa which have become essential modes of transportation across urban and rural Ghana.
Speaking at the launch event in Accra, CEDA Executive Director Samuel Bekoe highlighted the transport sector as one of Ghana’s largest sources of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, contributing approximately 38% as of 2021. Alarmingly, this figure has grown by 14% since 2015.
“Okadas and tricycles are no longer fringe transportation they’re mainstream, particularly in underserved areas. Electrifying them is not just environmentally critical, it’s economically and socially strategic,” Bekoe said.
The research is a core response to Ghana’s broader climate ambitions, including its target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Of the projected $550 billion needed to meet that goal, nearly 70% is earmarked for transforming the transport sector a clear indicator of both the scale and priority of mobility reform.
CEDA’s study will focus on three foundational areas:
Policy and Regulation – Proposing robust legislative frameworks to govern and stimulate the electric two- and three-wheeler market.
Infrastructure Development – Mapping the ecosystem needs, such as charging stations, battery-swapping hubs, and maintenance services.
Incentive Structures – Identifying financial tools and business models to attract private sector participation and investment.
Bekoe emphasized that while electric motorbikes have a higher initial purchase price, their operational savings driven by reduced fuel and maintenance costs make them a more sustainable investment over time. Using life-cycle cost analysis, the research will validate this premise to encourage adoption among operators and fleet owners.
The transition to electric two- and three-wheelers presents a unique investment opportunity for private sector players in energy, mobility tech, manufacturing, and logistics. CEDA’s analysis will provide granular data on return on investment (ROI), climate dividends, and market readiness key elements that venture capitalists, green tech entrepreneurs, and policymakers need to make informed decisions.
Additionally, the project will assess Ghana’s potential for local assembly and manufacturing, exploring how the shift to e-mobility could drive industrial growth and job creation, especially for youth and women.
CEDA’s research will also incorporate a gender-based lens to examine how mobility patterns differ between men and women, ensuring that the future of electric transport is inclusive and responsive to diverse needs.
As the study progresses, stakeholders can expect practical policy recommendations, investment blueprints, and scalable pilot models that align with Ghana’s National Energy Transition Framework.
“Ghana is poised to become a regional hub for electric mobility, With the right regulatory environment, infrastructure investment, and innovation partnerships, we can lead West Africa’s shift to clean, affordable, and inclusive transportation.” Bekoe stated.
The outcome of this research could redefine how millions of Ghanaians move while signaling to international investors that Ghana is serious about both sustainability and scalable market solutions.
For businesses eyeing growth in Africa’s green economy, this project represents both a roadmap and a call to action.
