Policy and market interventions to achieve sustainable cooling for all in Ghana

Ghana is positioned to achieve sustainable cooling for all by leveraging its national strategies and international commitments. Priority areas for policy and market interventions are recommended to strengthen the country’s political landscape and enable sustainable cooling for all. The recommendations focus on integrating existing efforts, addressing policy gaps, and enhancing information, awareness and capacity at both national and local levels.

Integrate cooling with national and subnational energy, climate & development policies

Given the critical role cooling plays in Ghana’s development—supporting healthcare, agriculture, productivity and wellbeing—integrating cooling needs into energy, climate and socioeconomic plans is essential. Cooling must be highlighted in Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and aligned with the Ghana Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP) to ensure it contributes to broader energy transition, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and socioeconomic development goals. This includes embedding cooling and cold chain interventions into energy access programmes, particularly in rural areas where cooling enhances healthcare and agriculture.

Refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC), energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission baselines and projection figures should be updated in Ghana’s National Cooling Plan (NCP). A review and revision of data sources and the calculation methodology, integrating newly available information, will allow for a more accurate baseline and projected energy demand and emissions data. This will be key to determining cooling's contribution to Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and overall climate goals.

Strengthen the mandate for the ‘National Cooling Plan Committee’ and governance system

The National Cooling Plan Committee (NCPC) proposed in the NCP, has yet to be established. A strengthened governance system is vital for advancing sustainable cooling in Ghana. Establishing a dedicated NCPC will provide cross-ministerial coordination, institutional support and oversight for the implementation of cooling strategies while fostering synergies among stakeholders. This committee would play a central role in tracking the progress of cooling initiatives, fostering partnerships and ensuring institutional capacities are built to meet the growing demand for sustainable cooling solutions across sectors.

Enable ‘Cool Cities’ through a call to action, city networks and leading by example

Urban areas in Ghana, particularly cities like Accra and Kumasi, are increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat. A ‘Cool Cities’ programme would focus on mitigating urban heat islands through green and blue infrastructure, cool roofs and public cooling spaces. Encouraging flagship cities to adopt integrated urban cooling strategies, share knowledge through city networks and lead by example through stringent energy efficiency standards for public buildings will help develop Ghana’s urban resilience to rising temperatures.

Increase the adoption of passive and nature-based cooling in buildings and cities

Updating Ghana’s building codes to include explicit passive cooling measures is essential for reducing energy demand in the built environment. Passive strategies—such as optimized window-to-wall ratios, shading and reflective roofs—should be integrated into building guidelines. Training programmes for architects and builders will promote the adoption of these measures, while nature-based solutions, such as green roofs and urban tree planting, should be prioritized to enhance cooling in both new and existing developments.

Accelerate the transition to model MEPS and participate in regional harmonization of MEPS

Ghana has made significant progress with its Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), but harmonizing these standards regionally will further drive market transformation. Aligning MEPS with international frameworks and enhancing product labelling will boost consumer awareness, improve market transparency and encourage the adoption of more energy-efficient appliances. This will position Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable cooling practices. In addition, regional and international coordination of MEPS contributes to cost reduction by lowering regulatory costs and expanding the market size, while expediting market introduction of higher standard products to multiple country markets.    

Stimulate market demand and drive behavioural change with government leading by example

The Government of Ghana should stimulate market demand for energy-efficient cooling products by leading through public procurement. Prioritizing energy-efficient cooling appliances for government buildings and leveraging e-procurement platforms will set an example for the private sector while contributing to cost reduction though bulk procurement and competitive bids. In addition, behavioural-change campaigns targeting both consumers and businesses will further encourage the adoption of low-global warming potential (GWP), energy-efficient products, contributing to long-term energy savings and emissions reductions.

Enhance access to low climate-impact cooling and cold chain for agriculture & healthcare

Improving access to sustainable cooling, especially in rural areas, is crucial for reducing post-harvest food losses and ensuring the safe transport of medical supplies. Decentralized cooling hubs, powered by renewable energy, can provide farmers with access to cold storage, extend the shelf life of perishable goods, and enhance healthcare cold chains. Public-private partnerships and targeted investments will be key to modernizing Ghana’s cold chain infrastructure in both the agriculture and healthcare sectors.

Enhanced access can be coordinated and supported by establishing a government-backed centre for sustainable cold chain development. In addition, it is recommended that improved data collection, monitoring and analytics/research is conducted to support decision-making.

Promote sustainable cooling awareness

Raising awareness about sustainable cooling is fundamental to driving the adoption of energy-efficient practices and effective climate change measures. A national campaign should be launched to educate consumers, businesses and policymakers about the benefits of sustainable cooling technologies. This campaign, supported by resources like an online repository of energy-efficient products and passive strategies, will contribute to a societal shift towards more sustainable energy use and reinforce Ghana’s climate and development goals.

Increase investment and finance for sustainable cooling for all in Ghana

To unlock the full potential of sustainable cooling in Ghana, greater access to financing is needed. Innovative financing instruments, such as green bonds and blended finance, can attract private sector investment by reducing risks. Establishing a pipeline of investable projects, particularly in agriculture and healthcare, will help channel funds into sustainable cooling technologies. Additionally, public financial and fiscal incentives, such as grants and tax breaks, will support the broader adoption of low climate-impact cooling solutions.

By implementing these interventions, Ghana can accelerate towards achieving sustainable cooling for all. These efforts will not only address the immediate cooling needs of the population but also contribute to broader goals of poverty alleviation, gender and other equality achievements, and sustainable economic development. Through coordinated action, innovative financing, and widespread awareness, Ghana can set a precedent for sustainable cooling solutions and systems across Africa.