Volkswagen Ghana has marked its fifth anniversary with the launch of the new Volkswagen T-Cross, a redesigned compact SUV that the company says will redefine the segment in Ghana’s growing automotive market.
The anniversary celebration and vehicle launch took place in Accra on October 29, 2025, and drew industry stakeholders, auto enthusiasts and media representatives.
Speaking in an interview at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Ghana, Jeffrey Oppong Peprah, described the milestone as a testament to the brand’s resilience and growing acceptance in Ghana despite the challenges of operating in an emerging market.
“Of course, it hasn’t been so rosy, but we have done a very good job. The market has accepted the brand back on track again,” he said. “Since our establishment in 2020, we have made great progress and are on the right path.”
Mr. Oppong Peprah disclosed that Volkswagen Ghana has so far assembled more than 2,600 vehicles locally since 2020 at its Tema facility, which has an annual production capacity of 5,000 units. He explained that the company continues to engage policymakers and stakeholders to address challenges related to affordability, financing, and consumer perception as Ghana transitions from the use of second-hand vehicles to locally assembled new ones.
He revealed that Volkswagen currently employs 12 engineers directly at the Tema plant, while the company’s entire operations, including logistics, assembly, shipment, and aftersales services, have created 81 jobs.
Mr. Oppong Peprah added that the company’s long-term plan is to introduce multiple shifts in production, in line with the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative. “This will help drive industrialisation, create more jobs and support Ghana’s economic transformation,” he noted.
He emphasised that Ghana remains central to Volkswagen’s regional strategy. “Definitely, it is in our strategic plan that we see Ghana as a hub for the subregion. Looking at other OEMs, Ghana is on the path to becoming the centre of the West African automobile industry,” he stated.
On consumer attitudes towards locally assembled vehicles, the Volkswagen Ghana CEO called for collaboration among government, private sector players and the public to change perceptions about used car importation.
“It’s a transition that requires all stakeholders. Producing new vehicles locally means creating our own used car market eventually. People must understand that we are creating jobs, transferring technology and developing skills. When you drive local, you drive Ghana,” he said.
Mr. Oppong Peprah disclosed that Volkswagen Ghana currently assembles five vehicle models: the Virtus, Tiguan, T-Roc, Touareg and Amarok. The newly introduced T-Cross joins the lineup as a compact SUV designed to appeal to younger buyers and families looking for affordable, stylish and efficient vehicles.
According to Volkswagen Group Africa, the new T-Cross is available in two derivatives — Comfortline and Highline — both powered by a 1.6-litre MPI 81kW engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It features LED headlights, a 10-inch infotainment display, wireless charging and advanced safety features including a rear-view camera, parking sensors and a driver alert system.
The vehicle comes with a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, with service intervals every 10,000km or one year.
Volkswagen Ghana began operations in 2020 as part of a strategic effort to position Ghana as a key automotive hub in West Africa. Over the past five years, the company has introduced locally assembled vehicles to the Ghanaian market and continues to collaborate with government and stakeholders to promote local manufacturing and industrial growth.