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William Nana Acheampong set for the emerging EV market with multipurpose charging station
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Entertainment
Breaking News: Daddy Lumba is dead – Family announces
Ghanaian music legend Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has died.
His family confirmed the sad news in a press release issued on Saturday, saying the 60-year-old passed away earlier in the day after a short illness.
“It is with profound sorrow and deep grief that the Fosu family announces the passing of Ghana’s beloved musical icon,” the statement read.
Daddy Lumba was one of Ghana’s most celebrated highlife musicians. With a career spanning more than three decades, his songs touched millions, telling stories of love, pain, joy, and hope.
He was known for his powerful voice, emotional lyrics, and unique style that made him a household name across the country and beyond.
“His soulful voice provided the soundtrack to our love stories, and his poignant lyrics captured the poetry of our struggles, dreams, and resilience,” the family said.
The family has asked for privacy as they mourn their loss and promised to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
The statement was signed by Fati Ali Yallah, a lawyer from Baba Jamal & Associates, on behalf of the Fosu family.
Fans, fellow musicians, and Ghanaians across the country have started pouring out tributes on social media, remembering Daddy Lumba’s unmatched contribution to Ghanaian music.
Entertainment
Edem’s debut album gets praise from Sarkodie
Ghanaian rap star Sarkodie has celebrated fellow artiste Edem for his groundbreaking debut album “The Volta Regime”, calling it one of the greatest albums in Ghana’s music history.
In a heartfelt social media post, Sarkodie, whose real name is Michael Owusu Addo, reflected on the first time he heard Edem rap.
He said he was instantly impressed and knew Edem would have a serious impact on the music scene.
“I remember when I first encountered my brother Edem, I came back home to tell one of my hommies that this guy will have a serious impact on the music scene,”
“He was like naa because of the language barrier. I said I don’t hear language, I hear greatness. Big up my brother, you are still on my favourite emcee list.” Sarkodie wrote.
Edem, born Denning Edem Hotor, released The Volta Regime in 2009. The album boldly embraced the Ewe language and featured collaborations with top Ghanaian artists including Tinny, Kwabena Kwabena, and Jeremie Van-Garshong.
Despite initial doubts about how well Ewe rap would perform commercially, the album proved to be a major success and introduced a new wave of local-language hip-hop.
Songs like Bra Fre Me, Nyorvuviade, and the powerful Intro helped establish Edem’s lyrical prowess and cemented his place as a unique voice in the Ghanaian music industry.
At a time when the local scene was dominated by Twi and Ga-speaking rappers, Edem’s success broke barriers and made it clear that talent speaks louder than language.
His impact opened doors for more linguistic diversity in hiplife and hip-hop music across the country.
Sarkodie’s tribute is especially meaningful because both artists emerged around the same period. Sarkodie’s own debut album Makye also dropped in 2009, and the two have long shown mutual respect for each other’s craft.
Today, over 15 years after its release, The Volta Regime continues to inspire fans and artists alike. It remains a symbol of bold originality and cultural pride.
Edem has since released several projects and remains an active voice in Ghanaian music and youth advocacy. His legacy is a reminder that true greatness is not limited by language.
