Mr. Samuel Adjei, Head of the Automobile Department at Opportunity Industrialization Technical Institute (OTI), has underscored the need for stronger quality standards, technical training, and government backing to boost Ghana’s position in the evolving automobile industry.
In an interview with The High Street Journal (THSJ), Mr. Adjei acknowledged that Ghana has made significant strides in assembling vehicles locally, with several plants now operational.
However, he noted that many of these facilities rely heavily on imported parts and are not yet producing components domestically.
“We must move from just assembling cars to producing our own parts. That’s how we build a resilient automotive ecosystem that can even support exports, producing locally brings income to the country and reduces dependency,” he said.
The automobile expert emphasized that beyond setting up assembly plants, there must be a consistent push to meet international standards, develop local manufacturing capabilities, and invest in the training of skilled labor.
“Every manufacturer needs a standard to compete. If we want to be taken seriously in the global market, we need to have the proper equipment, testing facilities, and regulations,” he added.
He also noted that while local vehicle production is promising, patronage remains a challenge due to limited public awareness, preference for foreign brands, and the high cost of vehicles.
“If you look at our economy right now, even middle-income earners struggle to afford new vehicles. So demand is tied closely to economic stability,” he said.
Touching on training and skills development, Mr. Adjei stressed the importance of technical education in fueling industrial growth. “At OTI, we’re training students in modern automotive skills. But after training, many don’t find the right places in the job market. We need structured pathways from school to industry,” he added.
He expressed optimism that with strategic government support, including tax incentives, financing schemes, and infrastructure investment, Ghana could become a competitive auto hub in Africa.
“The vision is possible. We already have brands like VW, Kantanka, and others operating here. But we need policies that create a level playing field and empower local innovators,” he said.
Mr. Adjei called on government to allocate more resources into technical education, ensure quality assurance in production, and create a supportive environment for local manufacturers to thrive.
“We don’t just need more cars but we need the capacity to design, produce, and export,” he stressed.
