China‘s Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. – GAC is considering Ghana as a possible location for a new electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant, following recent high-level discussions aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a post on on Facebook on June 26, 2025, stated that the GAC had given what he described as a “favourable indication” of interest during his recent visit to China.
He said Ghana’s growing lithium potential had become a strong attraction for Chinese industry, with GAC seeing the country as a viable hub for Electric Vehicle manufacturing in West Africa.
During his visit, Mr Ablakwa held talks with GAC officials at the company’s headquarters in Panyu, Guangzhou.
He noted that the company had shown “strong interest” in exploring investment opportunities in Ghana.
He also described China as being “ten years ahead of the world” in electric vehicle technology.
Ghana is seeking to use its lithium reserves to develop local industries, create employment, and reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuel imports.
A joint report by the United Nations Development Programme and the Energy Commission, published in November 2024, revealed that Ghana currently has only seven Electric Vehicle charging stations in Accra, indicating the need for significant infrastructure development to support any local manufacturing plans.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, in March 2025 announced that the government intends to convert some existing fuel stations into electric Vehicle charging centres.
He also mentioned ongoing discussions with Chinese manufacturer BYD to introduce new charging technologies that can recharge vehicles within five to ten minutes.
The proposed GAC plant could bring thousands of new jobs across the mining, manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance sectors. It forms part of broader efforts by government to support clean energy initiatives and stimulate local industry using Ghana’s natural resources.
