Vehicle Assembly Sector Can Create Up To 10 Additional Jobs – Prof. Hinson

Professor Robert Ebo Hinson of the University of Ghana Business School has said that every job created within the vehicle assembly industry has the potential to generate up to ten additional roles across the broader economy, underscoring the transformative power of the automotive sector in Ghana.

Speaking at the Zonda Tec Auto Sale and Expo 2026 in Accra, Professor Hinson described the automotive industry as a critical engine for long-term economic prosperity, noting that its multiplier effect on job creation makes it one of the most strategic sectors for national development.

He stressed the need for Ghana to shift its focus from the importation of finished vehicles toward robust local assembly, explaining that building a strong domestic automotive industry would help the country develop the capacity to produce high-quality vehicles while creating sustainable employment for current and future generations.

According to Professor Hinson, the potential for job creation extends well beyond the assembly plant floor, permeating the entire automotive value chain, including logistics, component manufacturing, vehicle maintenance and retail services. He noted that a thriving assembly sector would therefore have ripple effects across multiple industries, generating employment opportunities for young people in particular.

He further pointed out that current global trends, including advancements in electrification, digitalisation and the ongoing restructuring of global supply chains, present a unique window of opportunity for Ghana to position itself as a competitive player in the automotive space. He observed that Africa remains one of the most underserved automotive markets globally, creating a clear imperative for the country to take advantage of the continent’s expanding population and growing consumer demand for vehicles.

To achieve this vision, Professor Hinson called on industry stakeholders, government and investors to work together to strengthen local assembly operations, invest in professional skills development and implement supportive policies that encourage greater domestic participation in the automotive value chain.

He argued that “assembling in Ghana” was not merely about manufacturing vehicles, but about reimagining the country’s industrial potential, fostering technological proficiency and securing a more prosperous economic future through integrated and sustainable job creation.

Professor Hinson expressed optimism that with the right investments and policies in place, Ghana could move toward a future where vehicles on its roads are built locally, driven by its own citizens, and represent a solid, quality standard in the global automotive market, ensuring that today’s efforts translate into lasting economic benefits for generations to come.