Most Ghanaians don’t see it, but high above the earth, the ozone layer quietly shields everyone from the sun’s harmful rays. Yet, human activities like using old fridges, faulty air conditioners, and harmful sprays are slowly damaging this invisible protector.
To raise awareness and inspire action, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana have launched a nationwide campaign urging Ghanaians to help save the ozone layer.
The campaign, part of activities marking World Ozone Day 2025 themed “40 Years of Protecting the Ozone Layer: From Science to Global Action,” is engaging schools, scrap dealers, public institutions, and communities across the Ahafo, Western, Central, Volta, and Oti Regions. The goal is simple help people understand how small, everyday actions can make a big difference in protecting the planet.
Raising Awareness in Schools
At Aburaman Senior High School in the Central Region, many students were learning for the first time how their daily choices affect the environment.
Dr. Isaac Ignatius Yankey, Headmaster of the school, expressed gratitude 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,” he said.
For students like Blesseth Eshun, the session was an eye-opener. “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,” she said.
Engaging the Informal Sector
The campaign didn’t stop at schools. It also reached scrap dealers, a vital group in waste management whose practices can either harm or help the environment.
At a workshop held in Cape Coast, Dr. Abdul Razak Saeed, Head of Environment and Climate at UNDP Ghana, explained 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 of the participants, Sumaila Issah, shared how the session changed his understanding. “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,” he said.
Promoting Shared Responsibility
During the Western Regional session, Mr. Shine Fiagome, Regional Director of the EPA, reminded participants that protecting the ozone layer begins with individual choices. “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 were taken through demonstrations on the causes and effects of ozone depletion, safe refrigerant management, climate-smart cooling, and the dangers of UV exposure. The sessions also emphasized proper disposal of old appliances and the importance of choosing ozone-friendly products.
A Call to Collective Action
As Ghana joins the world in marking four decades of action under the Montreal Protocol, the EPA-UNDP partnership highlights how education and collaboration can drive real environmental change.
By empowering students, engaging scrap dealers, and encouraging households to make greener choices, the campaign is spreading one clear message: everyone has a role to play in protecting the ozone layer and securing a safer planet for future generations.
