Embrace energy-efficient cooling as electricity tariffs rise - Ghanaians urged

In the wake of the latest electricity tariff increases, households and businesses are being urged to adopt energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning practices to reduce electricity consumption and lower their energy bills.

Speaking in an interview to mark World Refrigeration Day, Chief Executive of the Center for Shared Responsibility and Technology Ambition, Kofi Agyarko said "consumers do not have control over the work of the utility and for that matter, the regulator, regarding pricing, but consumers have control over their consumption and the way they behave, their attitude towards electricity. So, I would advise that consumers buy energy-efficient appliances."

He added that consumers should always set appliances to the right temperatures.

Refrigeration is no longer a luxury but an essential part of everyday life, supporting food security, preserving food, medicines and vaccines, while also providing comfort in homes, schools and workplaces.

"Refrigerators do not need to be excessively cold and air conditioners should be ideally set around 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. Because every degree lower increases electricity consumption," he said.

The technology supports key sectors of Ghana’s economy, including agriculture, fisheries, hospitality and manufacturing.

With rising temperatures caused by climate change, access to efficient and environmentally friendly cooling systems has become increasingly important in enhancing economic productivity and improving the quality of life.

Agyarko identified shortages of skilled technicians, counterfeit spare parts and inefficient cooling equipment as key challenges facing the sector, urging stronger enforcement of standards, sustained public education and continued investment in technical training.

"It looks like the technicians are concentrated in the capital cities from the middle to the south. But going to the north, we have challenges regarding the availability. And even in the South, moving into the districts and areas surrounding the districts and even the very urban centers, we still have challenges and shortage of highly trained technicians. Also there is the problem of counterfeit spare parts and poor servicing practices, which reduce equipment efficiency and lifespan. Counterfeit spare parts are a nightmare in our part of the world," he added.

The future of refrigeration in Ghana lies in “cooling intelligently” through efficient technologies that protect food, preserve medicines, reduce electricity bills and support the country’s climate and economic development goals.

This year’s World Refrigeration Day theme, “Cool Intelligence,” encourages the efficient and responsible use of cooling technologies to build a more sustainable future especially in the wake of recent upward adjustment in electricity tariffs.