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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
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Dr Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi’s observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi’s experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service.
The statement noted that the NPP chairman believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had raised concerns about the difficulties in providing medical care to seriously ill inmates, including those suffering from tuberculosis.
He is therefore calling for the construction of a modern prison hospital to serve facilities across the country. In the interim, he has proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
On the welfare of prison officers, Chairman Wontumi has urged the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.
He has also called for proper classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed alongside armed robbery convicts and that persons facing trial for serious offences, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately separated from other inmates.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the need for counselling and behavioural support for young inmates, particularly those serving sentences for defilement-related offences.
Chairman Wontumi has also called for a clear policy on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.
On family relationships, he has proposed the creation of designated private areas where prisoners can receive visits from their spouses and children.
He believes regulated conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension among inmates and support rehabilitation.
“The prisoner is the one in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement noted, explaining his position on the need to protect family relationships during incarceration.
Chairman Wontumi has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with the necessary equipment to improve food production.
According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has access to vast lands and skilled labour but faces a shortage of agricultural equipment, with only one tractor reportedly available for farming and garbage-related activities.
He has further proposed greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions because of their knowledge of prison conditions and inmate rehabilitation.
On infrastructure, Chairman Wontumi has called on the government and private sector to invest in modern prison facilities and factories, arguing that the system has seen limited structural improvements over the years.
Appeal to Parliament
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had made a special appeal to Parliament to lead efforts towards comprehensive prison reform.
He is urging the Speaker of Parliament to initiate discussions on prison conditions as a human rights and national development issue.
He has also called on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.
Additionally, he wants the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi believes bipartisan cooperation between the Majority and Minority caucuses is necessary to secure the legal and financial reforms required to improve the prison system.
He has called for broader prison reforms across Africa, expressing hope that Ghana could lead the continent in improving correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his experience since July 20, Chairman Wontumi stated: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn’t reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”
The statement added that Chairman Wontumi remained in high spirits.
By: Jacob Aggrey
