Ghana has launched the Green Cooling Project, a bold initiative aimed at cutting emissions and promoting sustainable air conditioning across the country. The project, funded by Switzerland’s KliK Foundation and implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeks to make climate-friendly cooling affordable and energy-efficient for households.

Philipp Denzinger, Project Manager at GIZ, explained that the programme introduces advanced split air conditioners that use a natural refrigerant, R290. According to him, the technology has almost zero impact on the ozone layer and climate while significantly reducing electricity consumption.

Denzinger said, “We introduce state-of-the-art technology that uses a natural refrigerant. It’s climate-friendly, highly efficient, and saves households up to 2,000 Ghana cedis a year on electricity. At the same time, clients get a green air conditioner that has almost zero impact on the climate and no negative effect on the environment,”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sees the initiative as a milestone in Ghana’s efforts to combat ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions. Felix Addo-Ojyireh, Director of Climate Change and Ozone at the EPA, said the project will phase out old, inefficient AC units and replace them with climate-friendly models.

“Our climate definitely needs cooling systems because of our tropical conditions. However, old technologies release emissions that destroy the ozone layer. With R290 units, we are introducing more efficient systems that protect both the economy and the environment,” he stated.

He further revealed that Ghana recently sold the largest Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcome (ITMO) in Africa to Switzerland, underlining the country’s growing role in the global carbon market.

The Energy Commission also emphasised the transformative potential of the initiative. Acting Executive Secretary, Eunice Biritwum, said air conditioning accounts for a significant share of Ghana’s energy use and costs, making this project critical to sustainability efforts.

“Air conditioning takes up a significant part of our energy use and costs. With the Green Cooling Project, we can reduce that consumption, cut costs, and move towards a more sustainable energy sector in Ghana. This is truly a game-changer,” she noted.

Biritwum added that the Commission will regulate appliances entering the market to ensure efficiency standards are met, while also collaborating with the EPA to build technical capacity among AC technicians.

The initiative targets the installation of at least 150,000 green air conditioners nationwide. Although the initial rollout begins in Accra, officials say the project will expand to other regions, especially the northern sector, where cooling is equally vital.

With Ghana’s tropical climate driving demand for air conditioning, the Green Cooling Project is expected to significantly reduce household energy bills, curb emissions, and advance the country’s sustainability goals.