Helicopters, cars, treadmills – all built from scrap: Why Ghana must support local inventors

Across the towns and villages of Ghana, a silent revolution is taking place not in politics or entertainment but in the minds and hands of young inventors.

From the heart of Techiman to the outskirts of Nkoranza and the bustling corners of Accra, Ghana’s youth are building cars, helicopters, mini trucks, and even eco-friendly treadmills largely with little to no financial support or institutional backing.

These are not just one-off hobby projects; they represent a movement of grassroots engineering that, if harnessed properly, could reshape the country’s technological future and position Ghana as a leader in African innovation.

Young minds, big dreams: Stories from the ground

One of the most recent examples comes from Techiman, where a self-taught engineer has constructed a working helicopter using locally sourced metals and scrap materials. His motivation?

MUST READ: African Innovation: Ghanaian creates eco-friendly human-powered treadmill [Video]

To solve one of Ghana’s most pressing healthcare problems: emergency access in remote areas.

I'm not just doing this for fun. I want to help this country. My goal is to create helicopters that can help rather than ambulances that struggle to reach hinterlands on time when there is an emergency.

His ambition extends to supporting national operations like the Air Force and the Volta River Authority.

Despite the brilliance of his ideas, he is struggling alone and has called for urgent support in terms of machines, technical guidance, and funding.

An ingenious Ghanaian man has crafted a self made helicopter with locally sourced scrap metals and other materials in Techiman.

He revealed plans to further develop his ideas to help in delivering adequate healthcare services to remote areas. pic.twitter.com/hJ3lBvOncx

— SIKAOFFICIAL???? (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 13, 2025

READ ALSO: Kantanka remakes 18-year-old JHS graduate Kelvin Odartey’s famous car

The Nkoranza Warrior

In another inspiring case, a 20-year-old from Nkoranza built a motorised four-wheel mini truck from scratch to support his family’s charcoal business.

We’re farmers, and we have ideas, but no support

The mini truck, made from recycled materials, has drawn interest from people looking to buy.

However, lack of capital prevents him from scaling up production. He is now appealing to government and private stakeholders for help in acquiring proper machines and facilities to build more of these vehicles for local use.

An Nkoranza based 20-year old young man has brilliantly designed and crafted a motorized four wheel mini truck from scrap materials, to help sustain his self and family in their charcoal production business.

He has called on private individuals, corporate sponsors and the… pic.twitter.com/oOxIdgJqJJ

— SIKAOFFICIAL???? (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 18, 2025

Non-electric treadmill

A talented Ghanaian welder has designed and built a pioneering, non-electric treadmill, highlighting impressive local innovation. pic.twitter.com/sABdIsO4aw

— SIKAOFFICIAL???? (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) April 23, 2025

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Another notable innovation is a non-electric treadmill created by a young Ghanaian welder.

This human-powered treadmill operates using kinetic energy and works without electricity, making it ideal for regions with power instability.

It not only promotes good health but also aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including clean energy, innovation, and affordable technology.

The welder used only local materials, proving that impactful technology does not have to come from high-tech labs abroad.

These innovators are not alone.

The BECE car lord

In 2020, a then 18-year-old Kelvin Odartey caught national attention when he drove a self-built car to his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) centre. The video went viral, gaining admiration across Ghana and beyond.

Recognising his potential, Kwadwo Safo Jnr, CEO of Kantanka Automobile, offered Odartey a scholarship and mentorship.

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Today, Kantanka Automobile has unveiled a new vehicle, the Kantanka Akofena, that closely resembles the design Odartey originally built.

While an official partnership hasn’t been confirmed, the gesture alone is a powerful endorsement of local talent.

Odartey now leads a team building more complex cars under his self-made brand “Kejelvesuims”, a name combining “Kelvin” and “Jesus”. His story is a shining example of what can happen when talent meets opportunity.

What Must Be Done: Turning Talent into Industry

These young Ghanaian inventors are not anomalies; they are proof of the untapped potential that lies in every corner of the country. However, for this potential to become sustainable, systemic changes are required. Here’s what needs to be done:

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1. Establish local innovation hubs

The government, in collaboration with the private sector, must invest in technology and innovation hubs across the country, especially in rural areas.

These centres should provide tools, modern machines, workspaces, and mentorship for young inventors. While Accra has seen some tech development, places like Techiman, Nkoranza, and Wa are still waiting for platforms to support their talents.

2. Create a national innovation fund

There must be a dedicated fund to provide grants or soft loans to young inventors. Often, these young builders start and stop because they can’t afford materials or access modern machinery.

3. Integrate technical skills into education

Ghana’s education system must move beyond theory and start investing seriously in vocational and technical education.

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