EPA and UNDP Step Up Campaign to Protect Ozone Layer

 

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana, has launched a nationwide sensitization campaign to raise awareness and promote action to protect the ozone layer. The initiative forms part of activities marking World Ozone Day 2025, celebrated under the global theme “40 Years of Protecting the Ozone Layer: From Science to Global Action.”

The ozone layer, a fragile yet vital shield in the stratosphere, protects all life on earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While global action under the Montreal Protocol has successfully phased out over 99 percent of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), experts warn that poor waste handling and outdated cooling technologies continue to threaten progress, especially in developing countries.

In Ghana, the widespread use of old refrigerators, faulty air conditioners, and non-compliant aerosols continues to release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. The campaign, which took place across the Ahafo, Western, Central, Volta, and Oti Regions, seeks to educate students, public officials, scrap dealers, and community leaders on ozone-friendly practices and the importance of sustainable cooling solutions.

Raising Awareness in Schools

At Aburaman Senior High School in the Central Region, where one of the sensitization sessions was held, students were introduced to the link between their daily choices and environmental health.

Dr. Isaac Ignatius Yankey, Headmaster of the school, expressed appreciation for the initiative. “We are grateful to UNDP and EPA for choosing our school for this important sensitization programme. I believe our students will value what they have learned and become active participants in protecting the ozone layer and safeguarding our planet for future generations.”

For many students, the session was an eye-opener. Blesseth Eshun, a participant, said, “I learnt that everyday actions, such as using certain sprays or appliances, can harm the ozone layer. This sensitization has enlightened me about the importance of making conscious choices to protect the planet, and I’m committed to spreading awareness.”

Engaging the Informal Sector

Beyond schools, the campaign also reached out to scrap dealers, a group that plays a vital but often overlooked role in waste management. Scrap handlers are frequently exposed to harmful substances from discarded appliances, and their practices can significantly influence ozone protection efforts.

At a workshop held in Cape Coast, Dr. Abdul Razak Saeed, Head of Environment and Climate at UNDP Ghana, underscored their importance. “Scrap dealers are a key stakeholder group in Ghana’s efforts to protect the ozone layer. Their adoption of sustainable practices can protect lives, preserve our planet, and safeguard our ecosystem. We encourage them to remain committed to this cause,” he said.

One participant, Sumaila Issah, shared how the training changed his perception. “Through this programme, I have learnt how to safely handle and dispose of ozone-depleting substances. I now understand how my work contributes to a healthier environment.”

Promoting Shared Responsibility

During the Western Regional session, Mr. Shine Fiagome, Regional Director of the EPA, emphasized the need for every individual to take responsibility for protecting the environment. “Everyday human activities continue to harm the ozone layer. By being mindful of the appliances we use and opting for energy-efficient, ozone-friendly options, we can protect our health and environment for generations to come,” he said.

Participants across regions were taken through demonstrations on the causes and effects of ozone depletion, safe refrigerant management, climate-smart cooling, and the health impacts of UV exposure. The campaign highlighted the role of the Montreal Protocol and encouraged participants to adopt ozone-friendly products and support proper disposal of old appliances.

A Call to Collective Action

As Ghana joins the global community in marking four decades of ozone protection, the EPA-UNDP partnership underscores the power of education and collaboration in driving environmental change.

By empowering young people, engaging the informal sector, and promoting responsible consumption, the campaign is helping communities understand that every conscious action—no matter how small—brings the world closer to protecting the ozone layer for future generations.