September 16^th is celebrated annually as World Ozone Day to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on the ozone layer, particularly the depletion caused by ozone-depleting substances (ODS), and to highlight the resulting environmental consequences and preventive measures.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana, is actively engaging community members, public institutions and students across all educational levels to raise awareness about the ozone layer, its significance, and the challenges posed by its depletion.

Each year, the EPA and UNDP organize nationwide outreach programmes to educate citizens about the progress made in restoring the ozone layer. This year, the outreach programme will focus on selected schools and public institutions in the Ashanti, Central, Eastern, and Western Regions of Ghana.

The theme for 2024 World Ozone Day dubbed “Montreal Protocol: AdvancingClimateAction” highlights the critical role the Montreal Protocol has played in the recovery of the ozone layer and what the protocol is doing to avoid global warming due to climate change from these same chemicals that destroy the ozone layer.

The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, has significantly reduced ozone-depleting substances, leading to the recovery of the ozone layer. According to the Scientific Assessment Panel, the ozone layer is expected to return to 1980 levels by 2066 over the Antarctic, showcasing the power of international cooperation and environmental treaties in addressing global challenges.

Ghana’s ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2019 underscores the nation’s dedication to environmental sustainability. The amendment seeks to reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases that replaced ozone- depleting substances in the cooling industry and enhancing the energy efficiency of appliances.

If fully ratified and implemented, the Kigali Amendment could help avoid as much as 0.5 degrees Celsius of global heating by the end of this century. Yet, a range of climate solutions including those related to refrigerants and energy efficiency are also needed to avert a climate crisis by mid- century.

Over the years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the UNDP, has undertaken various strategies and initiatives in line with the Montreal Protocol to phase out Ozone- Depleting Substances, including import restrictions. These measures help the ozone layer gradually recover, protect public health, safeguard ecosystems, and contribute to climate change mitigation.

Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ghana, noted that, “As the Government of Ghanaworks tirelessly to address pressing ozone challenges, UNDP is committed to supporting Ghana’s to halt ozone depletion and fostering a sustainable and safeenvironmental future for all.”

World Ozone Day celebrates the successes of the Montreal Protocol and encourages public and stakeholder support for national compliance efforts. The EPA plays a key role in Ghana's strategy to meet the Protocol’s requirements, providing technical training and best standard equipment for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) technicians and raising awareness about ODS regulations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment. In partnership with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the EPA controls ODS imports through taxes, promotes green technologies like Recovery, Recycle, and Reclaim, and sets standards for hydrocarbon-based refrigerants.

The EPA acknowledges the crucial contributions of international bodies, governments, industry, and scientists in reducing ODS. As climate change and new substances pose ongoing challenges, the EPA remains dedicated to collaboration at both national and international levels to address these evolving  threats. On this World Ozone Day, let’s commit to making peace with our planet. Let’s commit to build on the success of the Montreal Protocol to show what international cooperation at its best can achieve.

For further information, please contact:

UNDP: ernestina.ocansey@undp.org Tel: +233-501323566

About United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

EPA: Corporate Affairs Department Email: client.relations@epa.gov.gh Tel: 0506694760/ 0507227726

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. Kindly visit www.gh.undp.org for further information on UNDP Ghana.