Abubakari Sualihu Impressive feat: Builds 4-Seater Car Tamale

A local mechanic in Tamale, Abubakari Sualihu, has amazed many by successfully building a four-seater car from scratch using locally sourced materials and basic tools. The project, which took 13 months to complete, highlights Sualihu’s creativity and potential to contribute to sustainable, affordable vehicle production in Ghana.

Overcoming Challenges with Limited Resources

Abubakari Sualihu, who runs a small mechanic shop in Tamale, relied on online tutorials and limited resources to complete the project. The car, which is yet to be branded, was powered by an Apsonic motor engine, inspired by a video he watched from a Chinese YouTuber. Determined to replicate the idea locally, he turned a simple sketch into a fully functional vehicle fit for everyday errands.

“It was a challenge to build something like this with the resources I had,” Sualihu explained. “But when I saw the YouTube video, I decided to take it up. I organised my tools, and with time, I made it happen.”

Despite the doubt from many, it was his wife’s encouragement that kept him motivated throughout the 13-month journey. However, Abubakari Sualihu mentioned that his workshop lacks essential machinery, limiting his ability to expand his work further. Nonetheless, he has already designed two more vehicles and hopes to build them with additional support.

Aspirations for Education and Growth

Abubakari Sualihu’s dream doesn’t stop with the cars he’s built. He hopes to pursue formal studies in engineering to sharpen his skills and make an even greater impact. “I completed my education at a senior high school. I hope to secure a scholarship to study engineering. It would significantly improve my prospects,” he said. He’s now appealing for support from the government, philanthropists, and institutions to help him develop his skills further and contribute to the local economy.

Support for Local Innovation

Dr. Vincent Akolbire Atindana, a lecturer at the Automotive Engineering Department of the Tamale Technical University, praised Sualihu’s efforts. He noted that despite limited resources, Sualihu’s work was commendable. “There is a lot to be done structure-wise, but the best engineers in the world started with small projects and kept researching to improve. If he gets the right support, he can become a better producer,” Dr. Atindana said.

Supporting local vehicle assembly can also boost the local economy and create jobs for many talented young people. Dr. Atindana called on government agencies, development partners, non-profits, philanthropists, and the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to assist Sualihu in realising his dreams.

Residents Call for Government Backing

The local community has been quick to praise Sualihu’s initiative, with many residents calling for government backing to promote local vehicle assembly. Mesuna Jamaldeen, a resident, expressed his hopes for the future. “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.

Another resident, Ibrahim Kassim, emphasised how remarkable it was for someone with no tertiary education to accomplish something so impressive. “This mechanic has built something that many engineering students at top universities haven’t even come close to. He deserves attention and support,” Mr. Kassim remarked.

A Bright Future for Local Innovation

Abubakari Sualihu’s success story is a testament to the potential of local talent and the power of determination. With proper mentorship and support, he could achieve even greater things for Ghana’s vehicle production industry. His work serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with creativity, perseverance, and a little help from those who believe in local innovation.