Driving industrial growth: Why we must embrace locally assembled pickups

By Eric Osei ANNOR

In Ghana’s dynamic economy, pickups are not just vehicles; they are crucial instruments for business, government logistics, agriculture, and construction.

Yet, for too long, Ghana has leaned heavily on imports to satisfy this demand, draining foreign exchange and stunting our industrial growth.

This narrative is changing, and we must take decisive action. With ambitious policies like the Ghana Automotive Development Policy (GADP), locally assembled pickups, including the Peugeot Landtrek 1.9, are now entering the market.

This represents a fundamental shift toward self-reliance, economic diversification, and manufacturing-led development.

Why local assembly works for Ghana

·Job creation across the value chain – Every pickup assembled locally creates a ripple effect of employment — from automotive engineers to logistics operators and spare parts vendors.

Assembly plants in Ghana, including Silver Star Auto’s facility for the Landtrek, are becoming training grounds and career hubs for the country’s growing youth workforce.

·Lower costs & wider access – With exemptions under the GADP, locally assembled vehicles bypass hefty import duties, making them more affordable for SMEs, government institutions, and individuals.

A Landtrek 1.9 assembled in Ghana can cost significantly less than an imported equivalent, expanding vehicle ownership and business efficiency.

·Built for Ghanaian conditions – Ghana’s road networks, climate, and transport needs demand vehicles that can endure tough conditions.

The Landtrek 1.9, with its 235 mm ground clearance, 600 mm wading depth, and rugged leaf-spring suspension, is built to handle Ghana’s terrain — making it a smart and reliable choice for both urban and rural users.

Economic nationalism & industrial strategy

Supporting local assembly is more than industrial policy — it’s a patriotic economic strategy. Ghana spends millions annually on vehicle imports, impacting our current account and foreign reserves.

By shifting to local production, we not only conserve foreign currency but also signal our readiness to compete globally in high-value manufacturing.

This import-substitution model, if sustained, can transform Ghana into West Africa’s automotive powerhouse, exporting pickups across the subregion while meeting domestic needs efficiently.

Public sector – Leading by example

Government agencies and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are key to anchoring demand. When ministries and district assemblies procure locally assembled pickups, they directly support Ghanaian jobs and enterprise.

This kind of demand assurance encourages private investors and multinational brands to expand their local presence and production capacity.

Case in Point: The Peugeot Landtrek 1.9

Specification	Details
Engine	1.9L Turbo Diesel, 150 hp
Torque	350 Nm @ 1800–2800 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual / automatic
Drivetrain	RWD selectable 4WD
Fuel Efficiency	~7.8–8.1 L/100 km
Ground Clearance	214–235 mm
Wading Depth	600 mm
Load/Tow Capacity	750 kg payload / 3,000 kg tow
Assembly	Tema, Ghana

The Landtrek is more than a workhorse — it’s a mobile symbol of Ghanaian industrial potential.

Policy support – building on solid foundations

The government has taken bold and commendable steps to develop the local automotive sector. Through the GADP, tax incentives, and the establishment of the Ghana Automotive Development Centre, it has shown strong commitment to industrial transformation.

As the sector grows, further refinements — such as improved access to vehicle financing, reduction of utility costs for manufacturers, and streamlined regulatory procedures — will make local assembly even more competitive. Continued investment in infrastructure in industrial enclaves like Tema and Kumasi will reinforce Ghana’s position as an auto assembly hub.

Conclusion – Ghana’s automotive moment

Ghana is entering a new industrial era — one where pickups like the Landtrek 1.9 are not just imported assets, but Ghana-assembled engines of progress.

By choosing locally assembled vehicles, we create jobs, retain value within our economy, and build national resilience. This isn’t just a shift in production — it’s a signal of confidence in ourselves. Let’s drive Ghana forward — one locally assembled pickup at a time.

>>>Award-Winning Strategist in Marketing, Sales, and Digital Transformation. He can be reached 0541 453 775|[email protected]

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