Building Capacity for the Adoption of Climate-Friendly Cooling Technologies in Ghana

June 30, 2026

UNDP Ghana_RAC.jpeg — Students gain practical, industry-relevant skills in automotive air-conditioning systems through hands-on training with an experienced technician.

Photos: @Ernestina Ocansey / UNDP Ghana

As temperatures continue to rise and the demand for cooling grows across homes, businesses and industries, building a workforce equipped to install, service and maintain climate-friendly cooling technologies has become increasingly important to Ghana’s climate and development agenda.

To strengthen the country’s technical capacity, technicians, trainers, students and industry practitioners from across Ghana have been trained in Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Refrigeration technology and Mobile Air-Conditioning (MAC) systems under the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP).

The training programme, implemented by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was held at EPA/UNDP/GIZ-supported Refrigeration Training Centres of Excellence in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi. The programme followed a national stakeholder validation workshop that reviewed and refined the newly developed training curriculum and materials to ensure they reflect industry needs and international best practices.

The initiative forms part of Ghana’s implementation of Stage I of the Kigali Implementation Plan, which aims to reduce the country’s consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 10 percent by 2030 while promoting energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling technologies.

Designed for refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians, instructors from technical training institutions, technical universities, refrigeration system operators and practitioners in the cooling industry, the training combined classroom instruction with practical demonstrations to strengthen participants’ technical competencies in emerging refrigeration technologies.

Participants received practical instruction in refrigeration fundamentals, Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) technology, installation procedures, commissioning and system set-up, servicing and maintenance, safety protocols, standards and compliance requirements. The Mobile Air-Conditioning (MAC) component also covered system components and operations, diagnostics, fault detection, repairs and safe handling practices.

A major focus of the training was ensuring that participants understand not only how to install and maintain modern refrigeration systems but also how to do so safely and efficiently.

Few people have witnessed the transformation of Ghana’s refrigeration industry as closely as Mr. Adu Amponsah has. Working in the sector for more than 30 years, he has seen technologies, refrigerants and industry practices evolve significantly. Speaking during the training, he said:

“The refrigeration industry has changed tremendously over the last three decades. We have moved through different generations of refrigerants as technology has advanced and our understanding of environmental impacts has grown. What this training indicates is that the future of our profession does not only depend on new technologies but also on technicians who are willing to continuously build their skills and that is how we ensure the industry remains relevant, safe and sustainable.”

Among the practical lessons shared were the importance of proper installation, adequate ventilation, secure electrical connections, adherence to manufacturers’ installation guidelines and regular maintenance to improve equipment performance, enhance safety and extend the lifespan of cooling systems.

The training also explored the evolution of refrigerants and refrigeration technologies, highlighting how scientific understanding of environmental impacts has driven innovation towards refrigerants with zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming potential. Participants learned how advances in Refrigeration Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) technology are supporting the global transition to more sustainable cooling solutions while meeting modern performance and safety requirements.

For the Mobile Air-Conditioning (MAC) sessions, participants examined the evolution of vehicle air-conditioning systems,from conventional mechanical systems to modern technologies incorporating electronic compressors, smart sensors and improved energy efficiency. These innovations are enhancing cooling performance, improving passenger comfort, and supporting more sustainable transport cooling solutions.

Speaking during the training, Akosua Bireduaa Aninakwa Project Officer at UNDP Ghana reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to protecting the environment through strong partnerships and capacity development.

“We only have one planet, Earth, which is why UNDP is committed to working with key institutions to protect it. Through partnerships like this, we aim to support the transition to climate-friendly technologies, safeguard the environment for future generations, and ensure that development today does not compromise the ability of those who come after us to thrive.”

Also addressing participants, Joseph Amankwa Baffoe, Programmes Coordinator and the Ag. Director of the National Ozone Unit at the Environmental Protection Authority, underscored the importance of strengthening technical capacity to support Ghana’s climate commitments.

“The transition to sustainable cooling requires not only new technologies, but also a skilled workforce capable of applying them effectively. This training under the Kigali Implementation Plan is a critical step in equipping technicians and practitioners with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to support Ghana’s HFC phase-down and environmental sustainability goals.”

Beyond strengthening technical expertise, the training is expected to create a network of skilled professionals who can transfer knowledge within their institutions and workplaces, supporting the wider adoption of climate-friendly refrigeration technologies across the country.

Investing in both people and technology will create a safer, more energy-efficient refrigeration and air-conditioning sector that is better equipped to advance our climate resilience and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).