A local mechanic in Tamale has stunned many with successfully building a four-seater vehicle entirely from scratch using locally sourced materials and basic tools.
Abubakari Sualihu, who runs a small mechanic shop in Tamale, spent 13 months assembling the vehicle, which is yet to be branded, by relying on limited resources and guidance from online tutorials.
The project, which cost him over GH¢26,000, highlights his creativity and potential to contribute to sustainable and affordable vehicle production in Ghana.
The vehicle, powered by an Apsonic motor engine, was inspired by a video Sualihu watched from a Chinese YouTuber.
Determined to replicate the idea locally, he turned a simple sketch on paper into a working car fit for everyday errands.
Motivation
He narrated, “When I saw the YouTube video, I challenged myself to do something similar, so I organised my tools and equipment, and with time, I made it happen."
The locally manufactured car
He indicated that many people doubted he could complete the project, but the encouragement from his wife kept him motivated until the end.
Despite his success, Sualihu mentioned that his workshop lacked essential machines and equipment, restricting his capacity to do more.
He has already designed two more vehicles and hopes to build them if he gets the necessary support.
Mr Sualihu said he also dreams of pursuing formal studies in engineering to sharpen his skills and make an even greater impact.
I completed my education at senior high school. I hope to secure a scholarship to study engineering. It would significantly improve my prospects,” he noted.
The artisan, therefore, appealed to the government, philanthropists, institutions and the general public to come to his aid so he could develop the skills to create jobs and contribute more to the local economy.
Support
Commenting on the mechanic’s feat, a lecturer at the Automotive Engineering Department of the Tamale Technical University, Dr Vincent Akolbire Atindana, praised Sualihu’s efforts and urged stakeholders to help him realise his dreams.
“It is commendable that he managed to produce this vehicle with such limited resources. Structure-wise, there is a lot to be done, but the best engineers in the world started like this and kept researching to improve their work. If he gets the right support, he can improve and become a better producer," he said.
Dr Atindana added that supporting local vehicle assembly can boost the local economy and create jobs for many young people with similar talents and interests.
He called on government agencies, development partners, non-profit organisations, philanthropists and the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to come to the aid of the young man to enable him to realise his dream.
Residents
Some residents have praised the mechanic for the initiative, calling it a promising move that warrants government backing to promote local vehicle assembly.
One of them, Mesuna Jamaldeen, said he hoped to have the chance to drive the vehicle and get a feel for it.
“All the big vehicle brands we see today started this way. This mechanic needs more support and resources to produce more and keep improving to meet modern standards,” he said.
He urged universities offering engineering programmes to collaborate with local mechanics who have shown interest and talent in vehicle production, helping them develop their skills and contribute to the local industry.
Another resident, Ibrahim Kassim, stated that the mechanic could accomplish even greater things for Ghana with proper mentorship and support.
“This mechanic does not have a tertiary education, yet look at what he has built. Many people who study engineering at top universities have not produced anything like this. He deserves our attention and support,” Mr Kassim said.
