The Car Rental Association of Ghana (CRAG) is urging the government to establish a GHS 10 million Electric Vehicle (EV) Transition Fund to support the gradual modernization of the car rental industry in Ghana.
At a stakeholder engagement held on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, executives of CRAG met with the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, at her office , presented proposals aimed at transforming the sector into a key driver of sustainable tourism and economic development.
Led by its President, Mr. Michael Sarpong of St. Michael Car Rentals, the Association highlighted major challenges including outdated fleets, poor driver training, unregulated operators, and a lack of digital infrastructure. These, they said, continue to hinder the industry’s growth and limit Ghana’s tourism potential.
During the meeting, the Car Rental Association of Ghana proposed the establishment of a Tourism Driving School to train drivers not only in road safety but also in customer service and basic tourism education.
“We want our drivers to be ambassadors who can promote Ghana’s culture and tourist sites to visitors as they drive them,” one executive said.
Car Rental Association of Ghana (CRAG ) also called for the launch of a national car rental digital booking platform, to be managed by the Ghana Tourism Authority. The proposed platform would enhance transparency, ensure verified ID use, deduct taxes at source, and improve the rental experience for both tourists and locals.
In line with global trends and Ghana’s climate goals, the Association emphasized the need for a GHS 10 million government-supported EV transition fund, which they believe will reduce fuel dependency, cut emissions, and create jobs.
“If 200 companies upgrade their fleets, that’s 200 households supported. Each EV means one more driver, one more job,” the treasurer noted.
In her remarks, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie applauded the Association’s efforts but stressed that Ghana’s tourism transport sector must first address road discipline and driver professionalism.
“Training and education is really crucial not just for business owners, but for all of us who share the road,” she said.
The Minister cited issues such as improper lane use, congestion, and unsafe driving practices especially on busy routes like the Adenta Road—as ongoing concerns that negatively affect the tourist experience. She emphasized that driver training must go beyond operating a vehicle to include safety, courtesy, and respect for other road users.
Hon. Gomashie also noted the economic limitations facing the government, stating that while immediate financial support may not be possible, CRAG’s proposals have her full attention.
“We are not in a good place economically. But soon, we will exhale. With the work the Ministry of Finance is doing, we should be able to get out of the woods and when we do, this need will be addressed,” she assured.
“I will keep this on the front burner. I will not forget.”
The Association also raised concerns about the lack of suitable transport options for cruise tourists visiting the Western Region. They noted that many passengers are priced out of luxury transport and are left with informal taxi services, often charged in US dollars.
“If we had compact EVs, we could serve this market better, offer fair pricing, and protect tourists from exploitation,” the CRAG treasurer added.
Conclusion
The Car Rental Association of Ghana, under the leadership of Mr. Michael Sarpong, remains confident that with the right policies, digital tools, and investment, the sector can become a pillar of Ghana’s tourism growth and a model of sustainability.
“Everyone loves Ghana. Let’s build a transport sector that matches that love with quality, safety, and innovation,” the Association concluded.
