The Member of Parliament for Suame, a key industrial hub in Ghana, has raised deep concerns about the future of thousands of auto mechanics in his constituency and across the country in the face of the ongoing global green energy transition and the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament, the MP cautioned that while the transition to green energy aligns with global climate commitments and Ghana’s obligations under the 2015 Paris Agreement, the shift could inadvertently jeopardize the livelihoods of over a million Ghanaians whose work revolves around internal combustion engines.
“My constituency, Suame, is an industrialized enclave that directly and indirectly employs over 500,000 Ghanaians in artisanal engineering, metal work, and vehicle repair,” the MP stated. “Across the country, hundreds of thousands of workers survive on fixing traditional engine vehicles. Their future now hangs in the balance.”
Citing data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the MP noted that the number of electric vehicles globally surged to over 40 million in 2023, up from 26 million the previous year with Ghana alone recording over 17,000 EVs by the same period.
The MP referenced recent government initiatives, including the importation of electric buses under the previous administration, which aimed to deploy 1,000 EVs for public transport.
Despite the environmental benefits, the MP questioned whether Ghana was prepared for the socio-economic consequences of this transition.
“With the phasing out of combustion engines, what happens to the mechanics who work on cylinder heads, fuel systems, timing belts, and engine oils?” he asked. “Are we prepared to retrain our illiterate brothers who have built decades of expertise fixing traditional engines?”
The Suame MP expressed skepticism about whether new job opportunities in EV maintenance would be sufficient or accessible, especially for older and less formally educated mechanics. He emphasized the need for intentional government action, including training programs, technology access, and funding support to facilitate a just and inclusive transition.
“We cannot rush into the green transition without cushioning its effects,” he said. “We need modern tools, diagnostic equipment, and updated workshops to stay relevant. If we don’t act deliberately, many of our citizens will be left behind.”
He concluded with a call for bipartisan support to introduce a private members’ bill that would mandate the Executive to allocate funds and implement policies to prepare auto mechanics for the inevitable green economy.
“I urge my colleagues to join me in ensuring no Ghanaian is left behind in the name of progress,” he appealed.
The statement has sparked debate among lawmakers, bringing into sharp focus the human cost of technological and environmental reforms
