The increasing number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country, particularly in Accra, the capital, has drawn the attention of authorities, prompting efforts to establish regulatory measures to govern the sector.

President John Dramani Mahama, during a speech at the commissioning of the Zonda Tec Ghana Limited Assembly Plant in Tema on Tuesday, September 15, expressed concern over the increasing number of EV station establishments, citing potential pressure on the country’s electricity distribution network.

“A few people have started establishing charging stations. If this is not regulated, it could lead to imbalances in our energy system,” the President said.

Local transformers are designed for predictable demand. Sudden spikes from multiple EVs charging at once can cause overheating or tripping. Consequently, President Mahama has called for proper planning to ensure that multiple EV charging stations aren’t concentrated in areas where existing transformers and substations lack the capacity to support additional demand.

Consequently, he indicated that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transitions was developing an electric vehicle policy to provide clear rules for the sector.

He explained that the location of each facility must take into account the infrastructure supplying electricity to it, warning that too many charging stations in one area could affect the stability of power supply.

“The location of each facility must take into account the infrastructure supplying electricity to it. Too many charging stations in one area could affect the stability of the power supply,” he added.

President Mahama said the Ministry would submit the EV policy to Cabinet before clear regulations are introduced to guide businesses seeking to establish charging stations.

“The Ministry will submit the EV policy to Cabinet before clear regulations are introduced to guide businesses seeking to establish charging stations,” President Mahama noted.

He also said the government intended to promote solar-powered charging as part of efforts to support the expansion of electric mobility in Ghana.

“Government intends to promote solar-powered charging as part of efforts to support the expansion of electric mobility in Ghana,” President Mahama continued.

EV charging stations in Ghana

According to a report by PoiData.io, as of July–August 2026, Ghana had about 10 verified public EV charging stations nationwide, with the overwhelming majority concentrated in Accra. Outside Accra, only Kumasi, Takoradi, Tema, Cape Coast, and Ablekuma/Adenta had a handful of installations.

The Accra–Kumasi corridor still lacks reliable en-route fast chargers, making long-distance EV travel difficult.

Consequently, the government has announced plans for 100+ rapid chargers nationwide by 2029, including installations along the planned Accra–Kumasi Expressway.

What it takes to establish an EV charging station in Ghana

To establish an EV charging station in Ghana, one must be given approval by the Energy Commission under the Energy Commission Act, 1997 (Act 541), which mandates licensing for energy activities, enforces standards, and ensures compliance. The approval is mandatory before any installation can take place.

The Commission has set clear technical standards: home charging is capped at 16 kilowatts, workplace charging at 22 kilowatts, while public and commercial stations must meet higher thresholds and comply with international safety standards.

Safety compliance is central to the approval process. Facilities must be designed to reduce fire risks, prevent transformer overloads, and ensure overall grid stability. Once the draft EV regulations are passed into law, all EVs and charging facilities will also have to be registered with the Energy Commission. In addition, every station will undergo inspection and monitoring to confirm compliance before approval is granted.

Failure to follow these rules carries serious consequences. Breaching the Energy Commission Act, 1997 (Act 541), can lead to fines, closure of facilities, or even prosecution.

Unauthorised charging stations also pose risks to the national grid, as they can overload local transformers and disrupt electricity distribution. Operators may further be held liable for accidents or fires caused by non-compliant installations.

For investors and operators, the practical steps are straightforward: submit an application to the Energy Commission, provide technical designs that meet the required standards, undergo inspection and approval before construction, register the facility once regulations are in place, and maintain compliance through ongoing monitoring and reporting.