Accra: The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has urged Ghanaians to help protect the ozone layer by choosing ozone-friendly products. The Authority is also appealing to the public to engage certified refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians, and recycle old appliances as their contribution towards protecting the ozone layer.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call comes as Ghana joins the rest of the world to mark World Ozone Day 2025, under the theme '40 Years of Ozone Protection: Science and Global Action,' as stated in a joint announcement by the Public Affairs of the EPA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Accra. The EPA emphasized that even small individual actions, such as checking for eco-labels on cooling appliances and ensuring refrigerants are handled safely, could make a significant difference in safeguarding the ozone layer and addressing climate change.
This year's celebration marks four decades since nations united under the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol to phase out harmful ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were once widely used in refrigeration, foams, and aerosol sprays. The Protocol is widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental treaties.
The EPA highlighted that Ghana, through the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, has phased out many harmful chemicals in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam manufacturing sectors. It has also ratified the Kigali Amendment, which targets the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - chemicals that do not destroy the ozone layer but are powerful climate-warming gases.
In a landmark step, the EPA announced the passage of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Certification Regulations (LI 2025), which standardizes the training and certification of RAC technicians. The regulation is intended to ensure that technicians possess the skills to safely install, maintain, and decommission equipment while responsibly handling refrigerants.
The EPA and UNDP stated, 'This initiative will not only protect the ozone layer but also reinforce Ghana's climate commitments.' In partnership with UNDP, the Authority is rolling out nationwide outreach programs targeting schools, communities, and public institutions to highlight the link between ozone protection, climate action, and sustainable development.
The EPA acknowledged the contributions of scientists, governments, industries, and communities in reducing ozone-depleting substances, stressing that sustained collaboration and innovation are needed to tackle emerging environmental challenges. It stated, '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.'