ACCRA, Sept 16 (The African Portal) – Ghana’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has urged citizens to help protect the ozone layer by choosing ozone-friendly products and using certified refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians.
The call came as the world marked four decades since nations adopted the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, which led to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once common in refrigeration, foams and aerosol sprays. The Montreal Protocol is regarded as one of the most successful environmental treaties.
Ghana, the EPA said, has already phased out several harmful chemicals in the refrigeration, air conditioning and foam manufacturing sectors, and has ratified the Kigali Amendment, which targets a phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs do not destroy the ozone layer but are considered powerful climate-warming gases.
In a statement with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the EPA announced the passage of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Certification Regulations (L.I. 2025), which standardises the training and certification of RAC technicians.
“This initiative will not only protect the ozone layer but also reinforce Ghana’s climate commitments,” the EPA and UNDP said.
The regulation will require technicians to demonstrate the skills needed to safely install, maintain and decommission equipment while handling refrigerants responsibly.
The EPA and UNDP are also rolling out nationwide outreach programmes targeting schools, communities and public institutions to highlight the links between ozone protection, climate action and sustainable development.
On World Ozone Day, the EPA praised the contributions of scientists, governments, industries and communities in reducing ozone-depleting substances but stressed the need for continued collaboration and innovation.
It added: “On this World Ozone Day, we call on all citizens, industries, and institutions to join us in this mission. Our collective actions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.”
