Let’s prioritise modes of transport that minimise environmental impact – Transport Minister

Mr Kweku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister for Transport, has called on the populace to support the quest to transform the nation's transportation sector for environmental sustainability.He said amid growing climate concerns, it remained crucial for the nation's transport sector to be aligned with global efforts at mitigating climate change and protecting the environment, and thus all must consider cleaner transportation modules.The Minister made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Madam Irene Messiba, the Director of Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation at the opening of a regional workshop on the dissemination of the National Transport and Electric Vehicle policy in the Volta Region.The Government in 2020 completed a review of the National Transport Policy (NTP) to provide 'safe and reliable' services to better support the nation's quest for economic growth.Subsequently, in 2023, it developed the National Electric Vehicle Policy as a significant commitment to the fight against climate change in the sub-region.The electric vehicle policy would 'play a crucial role' in the promotion of such means of transportation in the country and help position Ghana prominently within the value chain of the green mobility revolution.The two national policies together chart a path to a sustainable transport sector laid on innovation and technology, with a clear emphasis on ensuring environmental safeguards.The Government also in 2022 developed the National Energy Transition Framework (2022- 2070) to 'decarbonise the energy sector,' and the Transport Minister said stakeholder commitment and collaboration was required in securing the sought future.He said one of the key focuses of the revised National Transport Policy was to promote innovation and the adoption of new technologies in the transport sector, including electric vehicles.He said globally, there was a common understanding that the present energy landscape was unsustainable and posed significant challenges to our environment, economy and future g enerations.Therefore, through collaborative efforts and in line with the National Energy Transition Plan, we have developed the national electric vehicle policy to guide the uptake of electric vehicles in the country.'Through this dissemination exercise, we will together foster a strong partnership for the implementation of the National Transport Policy and the National Electric Vehicle Policy to maximise inclusive development outcomes for both current and future generations of Ghanaians. These two policy documents place a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship.'As we face the challenges of climate change and air pollution, we must prioritise modes of transport that minimise environmental impact and promote a cleaner, greener future,' he said.The dissemination workshop brought together various institutions and departments connected to the transport sector, including security agencies, regulatory bodies and others such as the ambulance service.The event featured detailed pres entations and discussions on the two policies to enhance partnerships for the successful pursuit of their implementation.Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, who graced the opening, said the Region would support the new transport policy and called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure success.Source: Ghana News Agency