Bolgatanga: As part of efforts to raise awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation, the Energy Commission has organised a day’s training workshop in Bolgatanga to build the capacity of journalists on energy efficiency services regulation. A total of 20 journalists, drawn from various media outlets in the Upper East Region, were equipped with Ghana’s regulatory framework on appliances, energy efficiency and conservation concepts, labelling scheme and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), strategies for effective energy efficiency communication, among others.

According to Ghana News Agency, the training of the journalists formed part of the Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Obsolete RAC Equipment (AGORA) project, with funding support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It aimed at stimulating the market for sustainable refrigerators and air conditioners, improving consumer health, and enhancing economic opportunities by facilitating access to more energy-efficient products.

Mr Hubert Nsoh Zan, Assistant Manager in charge of Energy Efficiency Regulations at the Energy Commission, stated that the media was one of the Commission’s key stakeholders in promoting public awareness and behavioural change on energy efficiency. ‘The Energy Commission, as part of its efforts to educate the public, has identified the media as one of our key stakeholders. Through the AGORA Project, we are looking at how to incentivise Ghanaian consumers to acquire energy-efficient equipment for their homes,’ he said.

Mr Zan noted that the engagement was designed to empower journalists with accurate information to guide their reporting on energy issues and to enable them to disseminate knowledge on efficient appliance use, incentives available to consumers, and the benefits of adopting low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. He said the AGORA Project was part of efforts to phase out inefficient and environmentally harmful cooling systems.

‘We want to encourage high-performing appliances that come with refrigerants that are environmentally friendly, such as the R290 type. By doing this, we are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability in the energy sector,’ he explained. He further urged consumers to take advantage of the GH Certified Appliance App, developed by the Energy Commission, which enabled users to verify the authenticity and efficiency of appliances before purchase.

‘Traditionally, labels were only on fridges, air conditioners, and lighting devices. Now, the scope has expanded to 19 more appliances, all aimed at protecting the Ghanaian consumer and ensuring they get durable, quality, and efficient products that help save energy and money,’ Mr Zan stated. He noted that while previous projects such as the EcoFridges initiative had achieved success, there were challenges that necessitated an upscale into the broader AGORA Project.

Mr Zan commended the media for their active participation and urged them to help carry the message of energy efficiency to the public. Mr Mohammed Mutatawakil Azangbeogo Seidu, a journalist with Bolga FM, described the training as highly insightful, noting that it had deepened his understanding of energy efficiency and conservation. ‘I have learned a lot from the training, and going forward, it will greatly influence how I report on energy-related issues,’ he stated.

Mr Abdulai Abdul-Kadir, a journalist with Modern Ghana, described the training as an eye-opener that had broadened his understanding of energy-related issues. ‘This training has exposed me to the importance of energy efficiency and how it connects to climate change and sustainable development. I now have a clearer understanding of how to communicate these issues to the public in a way that inspires behavioural change,’ he added.