A week ago
Business Mogul Osei Kwame Despite Stopped by Police in Ghana While Driving Unregistered Tesla Cybertruck
Osei Kwame Despite, a prominent Ghanaian business tycoon, was recently stopped by Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) officers in Accra while driving his striking, new Tesla Cybertruck. The futuristic, electric vehicle had garnered significant attention since arriving in Ghana, partly because of its unusual design and partly due to the mystique surrounding its high-profile owner. However, this attention became more pronounced when Despite was pulled over by police, allegedly due to the lack of visible license plates on his vehicle.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment police officers signaled for Despite to pull over. The footage, taken from a passenger on a trotro (a type of public minibus common in Ghana), showed the interaction between the businessman and law enforcement as the officers appeared to confirm the vehicle’s registration status. Passersby and other drivers took notice of the sleek and futuristic Cybertruck, with many spectators marveling at its design and speculating about the reasons for the police stop.
The Tesla Cybertruck, known for its unconventional, angular shape and advanced technology, is a rarity on the roads worldwide, let alone in Accra, where it stood out considerably among the usual array of vehicles. The incident sparked lively discussions online. Some viewers were curious about the nature of the traffic stop, while others speculated that the absence of a license plate could have triggered the police response, as Ghanaian law mandates visible plates on all vehicles.
The stop also raised a mix of opinions on social media. Some users were critical, suggesting that despite his influence and wealth, Despite should not be exempt from standard road regulations. Others pointed out the police were simply enforcing routine traffic laws, emphasizing that no one should be considered above the law.
This incident highlights both the growing presence of high-end, eco-friendly vehicles like Tesla in Ghana and the public interest surrounding affluent figures like Despite. His acquisition of the Cybertruck had already generated buzz among Ghanaians, symbolizing the increased adoption of innovative automotive technology in the country. Despite’s choice to invest in a Tesla—well-known for its commitment to electric-powered mobility—also sparked conversations about the potential for such vehicles in the local market, considering the country’s infrastructural limitations in supporting electric vehicles.
While some have admired Despite’s ability to bring such an advanced vehicle into Ghana, others have raised questions about the viability and practicality of electric vehicles in the region, where charging infrastructure remains sparse. Despite's move may inspire other wealthy Ghanaians to follow suit, potentially increasing demand for EV infrastructure in Ghana and across West Africa.
This incident serves as a reminder of the excitement and challenges that come with introducing new technologies into traditional markets. While Despite’s Cybertruck may be unique on the streets of Accra for now, it represents a small but growing trend toward more eco-friendly, high-tech vehicles in Ghana.
Source: Yen.com.gh
Total Comments: 0