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William Nana Acheampong set for the emerging EV market with multipurpose charging station

• William Nana Acheampong

William Nana Acheampong

 Electric vehicles (EV) are cur­rently on high demand glob­ally and one of the emerging markets is Ghana, with many beginning to shift attention to its usage.

One challenge however has been charging stations for the vehicles es­pecially when it becomes very domi­nant in the country.

In addressing the challenge, 20-year-old student of the African University College of Communications (AUCC) William Nana Acheampong, has taken a huge step in designing a multipur­pose solar-powered charging station which would soon take the EV industry by storm.

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• Nana Acheampong (middle) receiving
his prize from Bolt officials
• Nana Acheampong (middle) receivinghis prize from Bolt officials

Nana Acheampong is currently part­nering with the EV Founders, Sabrina Mensah Bonsu and Fouad Nadine to develop the stations in Ghana and possibly across the globe.

The groundbreaking innovation attracted the attention of EV Found­ers after Nana Acheampong made a presentation at a recently held EV conference in Ghana.

Hopefully within a year, with the right investments, the charging sta­tions would be commissioned in Ghana and set for the EV market.

The Journey

After completing GHANATA Senior High School (SHS) in 2021, Nana Ache­ampong in his desperation to look for a job and take care of himself through school, he landed at KFC in Osu where he served as a cashier.

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The last born of five was eager to attain tertiary education since none of his siblings furthered their education due to financial challenges.

He later gained admission to the AUCC and combined education with working at the KFC, before joining the delivery business after quitting his first job.

Nana Acheampong then began using an electric bike from Wahu Mobility and engaged in the delivery business with Glovo and currently with Bolt.

Using the electric bike, Nana Ache­ampong noticed that there were no electric charging stations around and had to charge from home and go back when it runs down, which was affect­ing his business.

The idea of creating a charging station to ensure comfort for people using electric bikes was birthed, since it was very expensive to import one into the country.

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His association with Bolt was the beginning of greater things to happen when he chanced upon the Bolt Accel­eration Programme aimed at empow­ering a dynamic group of Ghanaian entrepreneurs to transform their bold ideas linked to sustainable transport to life.

With no technical background as he studied General Arts in SHS and after research and sleepless nights, he man­aged to design the charging station using the Nema 14-50 outlet and pre­sented his idea at the pitching session which had over 100 people under the bolt programme.

The multipurpose charging station which has a shelter and a booth or kiosk for swiping, would be used for charging cars, bikes, scooters and even electronic gadgets. It is current­ly the only designed multipurpose charging station in Ghana and perhaps the continent.

His design eventually won the Most Innovative Idea at the 2024 Bolt Accel­eration Programme and rewarded 2000 Euros and a certificate.

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Nana Acheampong is currently look­ing for substantial funding to officially build the charging stations across the country and welcoming investors.

“This is an innovation from Ghana which must be supported. In most cas­es, persons in the diaspora are those paying attention to these innovations but Ghanaians and Africans must begin to invest in their own,” he stated.

“Young people have great ideas but do not have the support to develop same which is very demoralizing. For example, China the fastest growing economy in terms of EV has most of the innovators championed by young people and receiving funds from inves­tors. This could be replicated in Ghana which would help the innovation space as Ghana is looking forward to going into the EV market which would con­tribute addressing climate change,” he stressed.

“It is high time the young people are allowed to contribute to development. Ghana is moving to a more electronic future which cost efficient and pro­mote environmental sustainability as compared to fuel vehicles,” he added.

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Nana Acheampong is also looking forward to creating shops that would sell EV parts since there is none cur­rently in Ghana.

He expressed appreciation to Bolt for the support and exposure and urged other young people to take advantage of such initiatives.

Nana Acheampong enjoys cool mo­ments at the beach alone, listening to music, sharing drinks and good mo­ments with friends.

Jollof is his go-to food but loves banku with grilled tilapia. He is a Christian with the International Cen­tral Gospel Church (ICGC) Zoe Temple, Tema Community 5.

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He urged young people not to give up but continue chasing their dreams, find ways to improve their skills so they would excel when the opportuni­ties come.

By Michael D. Abayateye & Jemima E. Kuatsinu

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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.

This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.

“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.

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It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.

“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.

 By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu

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Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey

• Mark Okraku Mantey
• Mark Okraku Mantey

 Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed con­cern over the manner the facility was destroyed.

In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.

“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the peo­ple destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.

When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.

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He said he had previously con­tacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.

The demolition of the 20,000-seat­er Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.

According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limit­ed, the action was taken after multiple notic­es were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.

Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.

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Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.

He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.

Despite this, the demolition pro­ceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.

Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his busi­ness but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.

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