Onwards and upwards (well, technically downwards) to Accra!

Tim Yuan - Ghana

Well folks, that's all she wrote for Kumasi! I had a great six weeks in the Central/Ashanti region getting ingrained with Ghanaian (and specifically Ashanti) culture and lifestyle.

During these six weeks I was also able to make significant headway on my internship. My biggest accomplishment was successfully completing over 50 interviews of potential customers (especially since most of these people only spoke Twi and not English). The interviewees included tro-tro drivers and mates (basically the public bus system composed of privately-operated shared vans; see video below), tricycle delivery personnel, taxi drivers, market vendors, and shop owners. While some instantly saw the value-add of the solar-powered electric vehicle, others were more dismissive. However, what struck me most was the willingness and excitement of most people to talk to me about their day-to-day and share information, even if they had no direct use for the product we are developing.

Tricycle taxi

Tricycle loaded with goods

By conducting these interviews of potential customers, three clear use cases arose and, with them, various design requirements. Furthermore, I have built a number of in-country connections within the solar space, including the former head of the Ghana Energy Commission. These points of contact help provide a picture of the current state of solar power within Ghana and can be leveraged when looking for in-country manufacturing partners.

Kumasi sent me off with a double rainbow

Oxford Street in the Osu neighborhood

Now, I'm wrapping up my first week in the bright city lights of Accra, Kumasi's big brother. In terms of infrastructure and development, Accra is much further along than Kumasi with numerous multi-story buildings, an international airport and bus network, and a number of westernized shopping centers. In addition, there's a large expat community and even a slow-pitch softball league! That's not to say you can't find the raw Ghana in Accra; turn off the main roads and you're on a street that could be anywhere in the country. You'll hear a variety of dialects spoken but, unlike Kumasi where almost everyone is Ashanti and speaks Twi, most people in Accra speak English as well due to the amount of ethnic diversity.

Being on the coast means BEACHES

(would not recommend swimming though)

In addition, most of the solar players in the country are based in Accra (or nearby Tema). Being Ghana's capital, this means that most of the relevant government ministries and international organizations are located here as well. This greatly facilitates my ability to get in touch with appropriate contacts given their proximity. Therefore, while I plan to repeat the customer interview exercise, I am also hoping to lay the groundwork for manufacturing and regulatory approval of the electric vehicle.

So here's to six great weeks in Accra!