As fuel prices continue to fluctuate and the cost of living rises, motorists across Ghana and beyond are beginning to feel the financial weight of owning big-engine vehicles. Once seen as a status symbol, large SUVs and V8-powered cars are now under scrutiny for their high fuel consumption and expensive maintenance demands.
Industry experts and road users alike are raising concerns over the economic sustainability of driving vehicles with large engine capacities, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion compounds fuel usage. In cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, daily commuters report spending over GHS 200 a week on fuel alone — a burden most say is becoming unmanageable.
“My 4.6-litre SUV was a dream to drive, but now it’s draining my pocket,” said Emmanuel Agyapong, a civil engineer in Accra. “Between fuel, oil changes, and routine servicing, I sometimes spend more on maintaining the car than feeding my household.”
Big-engine cars, while powerful and smooth on highways, are typically less fuel-efficient and emit more carbon, adding to environmental concerns. According to the Ghana Standards Authority and transport experts, vehicles with engine capacities above 3.0 litres consume almost twice the fuel of smaller, more efficient models, without a proportionate increase in utility for city drivers.
In addition to fuel, spare parts and servicing for these vehicles are often imported, making them more expensive to maintain. With the cedi facing continuous pressure against major currencies, many car owners are reconsidering their options.
“We are seeing a trend where people are trading in their V8s and V6s for compact, fuel-efficient cars,” said Kwame Ofori, a car dealer at Abossey Okai. “The cost of ownership is simply not practical anymore.”
Through the Ministry of Transport, the government is also encouraging a shift toward more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles to help reduce fuel dependency and urban emissions.
As economic realities tighten and environmental consciousness rises, analysts predict that the era of big-engine cars may gradually give way to a new age of smart, economical transportation choices.
While these vehicles will likely remain symbols of prestige in certain circles, many are learning that style without sustainability comes at a heavy price, both financially and environmentally.
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