The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a strong warning to appliance repair technicians, specifically those working on refrigerators, to obtain certification or risk being prohibited from practicing.
This warning comes as part of the EPA’s efforts to mitigate the environmental dangers posed by improper handling of refrigerants.
Joseph Amankwa Baffoe, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the EPA, highlighted the risks posed by untrained technicians who may inadvertently release harmful gases such as Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) into the atmosphere, contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer.
Speaking on the sidelines of an engagement with students in the Eastern Region, Mr. Baffoe stressed the importance of educating the youth on environmental stewardship.
“We want school children to understand what the ozone layer is, what causes its depletion, and the consequences of this depletion. It is our collective responsibility to address this challenge,” he said.
The engagement, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to raise awareness about the causes of ozone layer depletion and its long-term consequences.
In reference to World Ozone Day, celebrated annually on September 16, Mr. Baffoe emphasized the focus on educating students in secondary schools.
“This year, we are focusing on students. They will grow up to face these challenges, and they must be well-informed to help address them,” he added.
He also encouraged early involvement of students in addressing environmental challenges, stressing the need for proactive measures from a young age.
Additionally, Mr. Baffoe warned that technicians who fail to enroll in the EPA’s free refrigeration technician certification program would face legal consequences.
"In Ghana, many emissions come from refrigerators and air conditioners. That’s why we are urging technicians to take advantage of our training program to acquire certification. This certificate serves as a license, proving that they have the necessary skills to work. If we catch anyone working without this certification, the law empowers us to issue fines or arrest them," he warned.
Chlorofluorocarbon gases, commonly emitted from refrigerators and air conditioners, are significant contributors to ozone layer depletion.
The resulting increase in harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses serious health risks to the population.
As a signatory to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.
The EPA's efforts to regulate the appliance repair industry reflect this commitment and highlight the importance of proper training to protect the environment and public health.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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