President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the expanded Zonda Tec Ghana vehicle assembly facility in Tema, reaffirming government’s commitment to building a robust domestic automotive industry anchored on local production, skills development and value addition.
From Assembly to Full Local Supply Chain
At the commissioning, President Mahama challenged the sector to move beyond mere vehicle assembly, urging industry players to develop a fully integrated local supply chain where Ghanaian enterprises produce components and provide supporting services for the industry.
He encouraged increased investment in the manufacture of batteries, tyres, wiring systems, seats, glass, plastics and metal components — investments he said would create opportunities for local businesses and expand employment across the entire value chain.
Call for Accessible Vehicle Financing
The President also advocated for accessible, longer-term vehicle financing schemes to enable more Ghanaians, particularly public sector workers, to acquire locally assembled vehicles.
According to him, such financing arrangements would stimulate demand for Made-in-Ghana automobiles and provide the market needed to sustain the industry’s growth.
Minerals and Renewable Energy as Game Changers
Touching on Ghana’s natural endowments, President Mahama noted that the country’s mineral resources and renewable energy potential offer a unique opportunity to build a complete automotive ecosystem.
He envisaged an industry that connects mineral resources to battery production, vehicle manufacturing and ultimately exports, positioning Ghana as a competitive player in the regional automotive market.
Boost for Manufacturing Agenda
The Phase III expansion of the Zonda Tec facility, with a reported annual production capacity of 12,000 vehicles, marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s drive to position manufacturing as a key pillar of economic transformation.
By Gifty Boateng