A former Director of Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority, a state-owned power generation company, Mr. Wisdom Ahiataku Togobo, has cautioned against the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ghana, warning of a potential surge in power demand without adequate measures in place.
He urged the government and industry stakeholders to proactively maximize the benefits of EVs while managing potential risks to the national electricity grid.
Currently, more than 177,000 electric vehicles are in Ghana, according to a recent report by the Energy Commission.
Mr. Togobo shared these views in a recent interview with a local radio station, monitored by Energy News Africa in Accra.
He warned that unchecked EV growth could overwhelm the grid but praised Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition for committing to regulate charging infrastructure to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition.
He also called for effective planning and an increase in generation capacity to meet rising demand.
“If you look at the national energy statistics for 2025, it’s clear that electricity from Akosombo, Ameri, and thermal plants accounts for just 18% of total energy consumed in the country,” he said.
“Petroleum products, mainly diesel and petrol, account for 55%, according to the Energy Commission. Reducing demand for these in favor of electricity will require expanding our generation capacity.”
Ghana’s current capacity is only adequate for existing demand, he noted, so any sudden surge could trigger “dumsor.”
“That is why the Minister is right to regulate the process,” he added.
On the use of solar power for EV charging, Mr. Togobo said it can play a role—for example, in daytime office charging when vehicles are idle and sunlight is abundant—but its contribution is limited.
Most charging occurs at night, when solar power is unavailable, so Ghana cannot rely on it alone.
He urged the development of swift and affordable alternatives beyond solar.
He further underscored the need for Ghana to fast-track the expansion of power generation through natural gas and the country’s nuclear energy agenda.
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