There’s something about spotting a Ford Explorer on the streets of Accra that makes you pause for a second. It’s big, it’s bold, and, let’s be honest, it has a presence that smaller hatchbacks simply don’t command. But why have SUVs, particularly models like the Explorer, become such a common sight in Ghana? The answer isn’t straightforward, and maybe that’s what makes it interesting. It’s not just about status, though that plays a role. It’s also about practicality, perception, and even a bit of aspiration.
Roads That Aren’t Always Smooth Sailing
Anyone who’s driven from Accra to Kumasi knows the experience can feel like two different trips depending on the road conditions. One stretch might be silky smooth, while the next has potholes that could swallow a small sedan. SUVs like the Explorer appeal here because of their height, clearance, and suspension. You don’t need to wince every time you approach a bump, or worse, slow down so much that tro-tros honk you off the road.
Still, it’s worth noting that some critics argue SUVs are sometimes overkill. A well-built sedan could handle most urban roads just fine. Yet, the psychology of wanting that “extra margin of safety” often tips the scales. People prefer not to take chances, especially when cars are such a significant financial commitment in Ghana.
The Status Symbol Factor
Let’s not sugarcoat it: driving an SUV in Ghana is also about how it looks. A Ford Explorer doesn’t just get you from Madina to Osu; it sends a message. It tells neighbors, colleagues, and, yes, even strangers at the traffic light that you’ve “made it” or are at least on your way there.
Some might roll their eyes and say this obsession with appearances is shallow. But in societies where visible signs of progress are highly valued, vehicles become more than machines — they’re statements. An SUV, with its sheer size and style, makes a louder statement than a compact car could ever hope to.
At the same time, there’s an interesting paradox. While the Explorer is admired, it’s also sometimes criticized as “too flashy” or “unnecessarily big” for Ghana’s often congested city streets. The admiration is mixed with a touch of skepticism — the same kind of side-eye someone might give a person wearing designer shoes to a crowded market.
Family and Community Lifestyles
Practicality also plays a surprisingly big role. In Ghana, family often extends beyond the nuclear unit. It’s not unusual for weekends to involve picking up relatives, shuttling church members, or carrying extra passengers who just happen to be along for the ride. An SUV’s spacious seating makes this easier. The Explorer, with its three rows, feels built for such moments.
Here’s where personal experience sneaks in: I remember a cousin driving his Explorer to a wedding in Cape Coast. On the way, he managed to fit his wife, two kids, three aunties, and a mountain of food containers without breaking a sweat. Could he have done that in a Corolla? Not a chance.
But one could argue that this very versatility sometimes encourages overuse. Instead of hiring a bus for big family trips, people often try to squeeze as many bodies as possible into one SUV. Safe? Not always. Convenient? Absolutely.
The Fuel Economy Debate
Now, here’s where the shine wears off a little. The Ford Explorer is not exactly frugal on fuel. With petrol prices in Ghana climbing faster than most people’s salaries, one would think SUVs would lose some of their appeal. But the evidence suggests otherwise.
Part of the reason may be psychological. Owners convince themselves that the comfort, safety, and prestige are worth the extra fuel costs. Some even say, “If you can afford the Explorer, you shouldn’t complain about the fuel.” A fair point, though it ignores the reality that even well-off families keep an eye on expenses.
Interestingly, smaller, fuel-efficient SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V outsell giants like the Explorer. This hints that while Ghanaians love SUVs, they’re not blind to running costs. The Explorer remains aspirational — popular, yes, but not always practical for everyone’s budget.
Import Market Dynamics
Another reason SUVs are everywhere has to do with imports. Most cars on Ghana’s roads are second-hand, often coming from the U.S. And guess what’s abundant in those markets? SUVs. The Explorer, in particular, shows up often at auctions, sometimes at prices that make importing them more appealing than buying a smaller brand-new car locally.
But there’s a flip side. Imported SUVs can come with hidden issues — accident history, high mileage, or repair needs. Mechanics in Accra sometimes shake their heads at owners who buy these cars without fully understanding the long-term maintenance costs. Yet, even with those risks, the attraction of owning a “big car” tends to outweigh the warnings.
Climate and Comfort
Ghana’s weather also nudges the preference toward SUVs. With the blazing sun and sticky humidity, air conditioning isn’t optional; it’s essential. Larger vehicles like the Explorer often have stronger AC systems and better insulation, making rides more comfortable.
There’s also the rain factor. During the heavy downpours, streets can flood in minutes. Watching a low sedan struggle while an SUV calmly plows through shin-deep water is enough to make many drivers reconsider their next purchase. Still, no vehicle is invincible; even the Explorer has been known to stall in flooded roads. But the perception that “it’s safer in the rain” persists.
Cultural Aspirations and Media Influence
Western culture and media play a role, too. In American movies and TV shows, SUVs are often portrayed as family cars for the successful suburban household. That imagery carries over, shaping how Ghanaians see the Explorer. Owning one feels like aligning with a global idea of success, not just a local one.
Of course, there’s a question of whether this is sustainable. Should aspirations be tied so closely to vehicles that guzzle more fuel and occupy more road space in already congested cities? Some urban planners quietly suggest Ghana should be encouraging smaller, more efficient cars to reduce traffic chaos. But cultural perceptions are hard to shift.
Safety and the Perception of Security
Many drivers also believe SUVs are safer in crashes, thanks to their size and weight. There’s some truth to this, though research is mixed. Larger cars may protect occupants better in collisions, but they can also cause more damage to smaller vehicles. In Ghana, where road safety is an ongoing concern, the perception of being “safer” behind the wheel of an Explorer is a powerful motivator.
A personal aside: I’ve ridden in both a small Kia Picanto and a Ford Explorer during long trips. When a massive truck barrels past you on the highway, the Explorer’s bulk feels comforting. Whether or not the statistics fully justify it, the feeling of safety can matter as much as the reality.
The Critique: Is Bigger Always Better?
It would be dishonest to end without raising a few critiques. SUVs like the Explorer may be practical and admired, but they also contribute to some challenges. Traffic congestion in Accra, for instance, isn’t helped by having more oversized cars on narrow roads. Fuel consumption adds to both household expenses and environmental concerns. And let’s not forget parking — try squeezing a Ford Explorer into the tight spaces at Makola Market, and you’ll see what I mean.
Yet, these criticisms don’t erase the reasons people continue to buy them. It’s a balancing act: comfort versus cost, prestige versus practicality, aspiration versus sustainability. The Explorer thrives because, for many Ghanaians, the scales tilt just enough in its favor.
Wrapping It Up (Without the Ribbon)
So why are SUVs like the Ford Explorer so popular in Ghana? The answer lies in a mix of factors — rough roads, family needs, social status, cultural aspirations, and the import economy. They represent comfort and security, even if they stretch budgets and city infrastructure.
Will this trend last forever? Hard to say. Rising fuel prices, climate concerns, and shifting generational tastes could reshape the market. Younger buyers might gravitate toward hybrid or electric SUVs in the future, or maybe even rediscover the efficiency of smaller cars. But for now, the Ford Explorer remains a familiar sight, rumbling confidently down both the smooth highways and the bumpy backroads of Ghana.