Ghana must work collectively to phase out harmful cooling chemicals – EPA official

The Director of Climate Change and Ozone at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Felix Addo-Okyiere, has stressed the need for collective national effort to meet Ghana’s commitment to phase out harmful cooling chemicals that contribute to global warming.

Speaking at the launch of the Deliver Training Programme for the Implementation of New Regulations on Cooling Appliances and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) on October 3, 2025, Felix Addo-Okyiere said achieving targets under the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment cannot be left to the EPA or Energy Commission alone.

“Whether we achieve our targets or not depends on our collective commitment to the treaties we have signed. It cannot be left to the EPA or Energy Commission alone. All of us must put our hands on deck and work as a team,” he said.

Ghana is required to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and phase down HFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning.

Addo-Okyiere noted that Ghana is expected to complete the phase-out by 2030 and reduce fluorocarbons by 2045.

“By 2025, we expect to be almost done with the phasing out of HFCs, and by 2040, we should have achieved significant results in phasing down fluorocarbons,” he explained.

He added that L.I. 2503, which certifies refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians, will support the agenda by ensuring proper handling of refrigerants and energy-efficient appliances.

“The capacity of technicians needs to be built so they can identify which appliances and chemicals are acceptable for use in the country,” he said.

Hubert Nsoh Zan, Assistant Manager for Energy Efficiency Regulations at the Energy Commission, said customs officers are being trained to block the importation of unapproved cooling appliances.

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“As part of the Montreal Protocol, Ghana is obligated to phase out R22 air conditioners and phase down HFCs. Customs officers are key to enforcing these regulations,” he noted.

He revealed that R22 imports have dropped significantly since 2020 and announced upgraded energy efficiency labels, from a 1–5 star system to 1–7 stars, plus QR codes for product verification through the “GH Certified Appliance App.”

Akosua Aninakwa, a Project Officer with UNDP said the agency is providing technical and financial support to help Ghana meet its obligations.

“International environmental concerns affect all of us. UNDP is supporting this initiative to ensure Ghana achieves its global targets,” she said, urging Ghanaians to be conscious consumers.

The two-year project, led by UNDP with the EPA and Energy Commission, will enhance knowledge, strengthen enforcement, and raise public awareness on energy performance standards and refrigerant management.

AM/MA

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