In soaring temperatures, how can we make air conditioners accessible to families and small businesses that need them — without putting additional strain on electricity grids or the planet? 

The Government of Ghana is partnering with UNEP and UNDP to do just that, through the AGORA Project (Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Obsolete Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment in West Africa). Building on the success of the ECOFRIDGES model, the initiative uses innovative financial mechanisms to make energy-efficient, climate-friendly air conditioners more affordable and widely available. 

In September 2025, the project marked a significant milestone with a week of technical meetings and stakeholder engagement in Accra, Ghana, laying the groundwork for the large-scale deployment of efficient cooling solutions across the country. 

The week’s objectives included aligning stakeholders on rebate and financing mechanisms, raising awareness about policy and regulatory frameworks, and building capacity among vendors, financial institutions, customs officers, and media to support a smooth and transparent market transition.

Engaging vendors and testing new mechanisms

Meetings with key appliance vendors explored the feasibility of an installation-rebate mechanism for R290-based air conditioners, provisionally branded “AGORA AC.” Multiple vendors confirmed access to R290 units and expressed readiness to pilot the scheme. Discussions also focused on technical requirements such as serial-number traceability, robust installation reporting, and safe end-of-life collection and disposal of old equipment. Vendors stressed the importance of a strong consumer education campaign. 

Partnering with financial institutions

A roundtable with banks and a fintech company confirmed interest in offering zero-interest consumer finance options. Financial partners emphasised the need for clear consumer protection measures and awareness campaigns to ensure transparency and adoption. 

Building awareness and capacity

The mission also included training sessions for media professionals, equipping them to communicate on efficiency standards, refrigerant safety, and consumer tips. At the Port of Tema, customs officers received training on appliance efficiency regulations and inspection procedures, thereby strengthening Ghana’s capacity to enforce standards and prevent non-compliant products from entering the market. 

Scaling impact across West Africa

The AGORA Project is a joint initiative of UNEP, UNDP, the Energy Commissions of Ghana and Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Environment of Nigeria (FMEnv), and the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana (EPA), with financial support from the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM). 

The ECOFRIDGES project, together with the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners launched by the Energy Commission in 2022, and the refrigerant and waste management regulations implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency — particularly through its National Ozone Unit — have paved the way for the AGORA Project. By expanding these efforts in Ghana and across the region, AGORA aims to:

• Protect the ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Replace outdated equipment with energy-efficient, low–global warming potential technologies. 

• Support policy and regulatory frameworks for sustainable cooling. 

• Create financing and business models that make clean cooling accessible to households and businesses.

Next steps

After the mission, the AGORA team will work with vendors, banks and government partners to finalize the details of the programme, including how rebates will be applied and how consumers can benefit. Public awareness campaigns will also be developed to help families and businesses make informed choices about efficient, climate-friendly cooling. Strong collaboration among all partners — from government agencies to financial institutions and waste management companies — will be key to making AGORA a success in Ghana and across West Africa. 

By fostering innovation, building partnerships, and scaling proven models, AGORA is positioning West Africa to lead on sustainable cooling solutions that protect the environment while improving lives and livelihoods.