Ghana’s Kofi A. Agyarko, a leading figure in energy efficiency and sustainable development, has been honoured with the prestigious 2023 Haagen-Smit Clean Air Award for Environmental Justice.

Presented by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), this award is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize” for air quality achievement and recognises individuals who have made transformative contributions to improving air quality or addressing climate change.

Agyarko, the Director of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Climate Change at the Ghana Energy Commission, has led numerous initiatives aimed at tackling the environmental dumping of inefficient cooling equipment in developing countries.

These obsolete appliances, which emit climate-damaging gases and consume excessive amounts of energy, disproportionately affect vulnerable nations like Ghana, contributing to high energy costs and worsening air quality.

Air pollution remains a pressing issue in Ghana.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of 2019, an estimated 28,000 people die annually from diseases related to poor air quality, primarily due to industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and the widespread burning of waste.

Kofi Agyarko’s work in advancing energy-efficient technologies and policies has been pivotal in addressing these challenges and reducing the environmental and health burdens on Ghanaians.

His commitment to promoting energy efficiency aligns with Ghana’s anti-dumping policies focused on preventing the importation and use of obsolete cooling appliances.

The Ghana Energy Commission, under Agyarko’s leadership, has implemented strict regulations to control the quality and efficiency of cooling devices.

In 2013, Ghana introduced the Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling (EESL) Program, establishing minimum energy performance standards for refrigerators and air conditioners, which has helped phase out inefficient products and promote energy-efficient alternatives.

In 2023, Ghana proposed a groundbreaking initiative to the Montreal Protocol aimed at banning the environmental dumping of obsolete cooling equipment across Africa.

This initiative received unanimous support and represents a significant step towards reducing harmful emissions and advancing sustainable development in the region.

Congratulatory messages poured in following his award.

Durwood Zaelke, President of the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development, praised Agyarko’s “tireless” efforts, saying, “Kofi Agyarko’s leadership is helping avoid new dependence on harmful refrigerants and speeding the implementation of the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs.”

Martina Otto, Head of the Secretariat at the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), commended Kofi Agyarko’s long-standing advocacy.

“Kofi Agyarko has been championing the fight against the environmental dumping of inefficient cooling equipment, which is critical for protecting the environment and ensuring affordable energy access for all,” she said.

Kofi Agyarko’s work continues to inspire environmental advocates worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on both policy and practice as countries strive to combat air pollution and promote cleaner, more efficient technologies.

He is one of only four individuals globally to receive the award this year, sharing the honour with Richard C. Flagan, a pioneering aerosol scientist; Prashant Kumar, a professor of air quality and health; and Vickie Patton, a prominent environmental attorney.