Ghana’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven by rapid expansion in electricity access, urbanization, population growth, a rising middle class, increasing household incomes, as well as the rising temperatures. While the sector plays a vital role in ensuring comfort and preserving goods, its growth has also contributed significantly to Ozone depletion as well as national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from both direct and indirect sources. Direct emissions stem primarily from the leakage of high-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants used in cooling equipment. Indirect emissions are largely due to the high energy demand of these appliances, which is exacerbated by the long operating hours in Ghana’s high ambient temperatures and the carbon-intensive nature of the country’s electricity generation.

As part of Ghana’s ongoing efforts to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Ghana, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ghana, through funding from the Multilateral Funds, has, over the years, supported the improvements of capacities of stakeholders in addressing the menace. This has been achieved through capacity building, provision of best standard equipment, and transfer of environmentally friendly technologies. As part of the ongoing efforts, two sensitization workshops have been successfully organized for refrigerant and cooling appliance importers in Accra and Kumasi in 2025.

The workshops, held under the Institutional Strengthening Project (Phase XVI), brought together key stakeholders from the RAC sector. The first session took place in Accra on July 2^nd and 3^rd, followed by the second in Kumasi on July 15^th and 16^th

The two workshops raised awareness among importers on Ghana’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, particularly regarding the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and the management of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Participants were further sensitized on the Legislative Instrument (LI) 1918 and its pending review, quota allocations, and the implications of non-compliance.

Speaking at the Accra session, Felix Addo-Okyireh, Director and Head of the Climate Change and Ozone Department at EPA Ghana, highlighted the importance of collective action:

“The Kigali Amendment marks a pivotal moment for Ghana, calling for the gradual phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to help prevent a significant rise in global temperatures by the end of the century. By working together, we can ensure a successful transition to climate-friendly cooling in Ghana.”