Chinese automotive giant GAC Group is considering Ghana as a potential site for a new electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant, following high-level discussions aimed at deepening economic ties between the two countries.
The move could mark a major step forward in Ghana’s ambitions to become a green manufacturing hub in West Africa.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed the development after meeting with GAC executives at the company’s headquarters in Guangzhou. In a post on Facebook, he said the company had given a “favourable indication” of interest in exploring investment opportunities in Ghana, citing the country’s growing lithium potential as a key attraction for EV production.
“China is ten years ahead of the world in electric vehicle technology,” Ablakwa noted, adding that Ghana’s strategic resources and location make it a viable hub for EV manufacturing in the region
The proposed plant could generate thousands of jobs across mining, manufacturing, and maintenance sectors. It also aligns with Ghana’s broader push to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and transition toward clean energy.
However, infrastructure remains a challenge. A joint report by the UNDP and Ghana’s Energy Commission in late 2024 revealed that Accra currently has only seven EV charging stations, underscoring the need for significant investment in support systems.
To address this, Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor announced plans in March 2025 to convert some existing fuel stations into EV charging centers. He also confirmed ongoing talks with Chinese EV manufacturer BYD to introduce ultra-fast charging technology capable of powering vehicles in under ten minutes.
The GAC development comes on the heels of a broader wave of Chinese investment in Ghana’s green transport sector. Earlier this month, Ghana signed a Memorandum of Understanding with West Africa Eco-Drive and Gecko New Energy Vehicle Technology to establish a new energy vehicle (NEV) assembly plant in the country
As Ghana positions itself at the forefront of Africa’s clean mobility transition, officials say the real test of economic diplomacy will be whether these deals translate into tangible benefits for citizens. “We shall ensure our foreign relations make a meaningful impact in the lives of the people we serve,” Ablakwa affirmed.
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