Building partnerships and expertise to tackle methane emissions in Ghana 

Methane emissions are one the most potent contributors to climate change and have significant effects on air quality and human health. Recognizing the urgency of the methane problem, Clean Air Task Force (CATF) has embarked on a global initiative, in partnership with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, to address methane pollution, particularly from the oil and gas sector, through the Fossil Fuel Regulatory Program (FFRP).  

CATF recently collaborated with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana on a two-day stakeholder event in Accra to support Ghana’s methane mitigation efforts. The event, which included representatives from government and industry, builds on CATF’s work to help Ghana achieve methane emissions reductions in line with the Global Methane Pledge. 

Ghana’s methane mitigation leadership in context  

Ghana has demonstrated its commitment to reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) like methane through its Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, which aims to unconditionally reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030. With CATF’s support, the EPA in Ghana has taken proactive steps toward achieving these targets by developing and enforcing methane regulations for the oil and gas industry. In 2022, for example, the EPA collaborated with CATF to assess methane emissions from various sources in Ghana, which greatly enhanced the agency’s ability to translate its regulatory ambitions into action. Now, as one of the newly launched FFRP’s primary beneficiaries, Ghana is poised to further strengthen its mitigation efforts thanks to CATF’s enhanced capacity to provide targeted regulatory support as wells as capacity building and technical expertise. 

A much-needed forum to celebrate progress and align on the Ghana’s mitigation efforts and challenges   

The two-day event was structured to facilitate open discussions among stakeholders, regulators and industry, offering a comprehensive understanding of Ghana’s methane emissions profile, regulatory challenges, and industry efforts: 

• Day one featured a Stakeholder Consultation Session and an Industry-Specific Consultation Session, allowing participants to explore the regulatory landscape and share their perspectives on methane reduction.  

• Day two was designed as a workshop session, focusing on technical training for EPA staff and key industry stakeholders. 

CATF was honored to open the event with remarks from the EPA’s Petroleum Department Director, who expressed his appreciation for the ongoing partnership with CATF and highlighted its importance in bringing Ghana’s petroleum industry in line with global best practices. These remarks were followed by an introduction to the FFRP by Mohammed Dahiru Aminu of CATF, which laid out CATF’s objectives under the FFRP, emphasizing the program’s potential to build a foundation for sustainable methane policy in Ghana and other developing countries. 

Ghana’s EPA will soon have greater regulatory power over the oil and gas industry 

Kojo Efunam, a former EPA Director, followed with a presentation on Ghana’s Petroleum Bill and the anticipated regulatory changes that will come with it. He noted that the EPA is poised to transition to an Authority, pending parliamentary approval, which would grant it greater regulatory power. Efunam also shared updates on draft regulations to reduce routine flaring, establish gas management guidelines, and promote energy efficiency. Key initiatives include quarterly leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs and addressing methane emissions from venting equipment. 

A realistic assessment of Ghana’s methane emissions 

CATF’s Lesley Feldman provided a comparative analysis of methane emissions estimates from the Country Methane Abatement Tool (CoMAT) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) Methane Tracker. This analysis offered insights into emission sources and mitigation options, sparking discussions about aligning global data with Ghana’s unique petroleum industry profile. Participants emphasized the importance of developing regulatory guidelines that balance global standards with local realities. 

Gathering industry perspectives on national mitigation efforts   

Industry operators also shared their experiences in addressing methane emissions through initiatives like the OGMP 2.0, which is a comprehensive methane reporting standard developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).  

• Sena Mawuyra, Environmental Engineer at Eni Ghana, detailed the company’s use of advanced technology, such as optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras for leak detection and repair. Eni’s initiatives aim to meet the OGMP 2.0 Gold Standard for methane reporting by providing transparent and accurate emissions data.  

• Laureen Darku, Environmental and Asset Protection Manager at Tullow Ghana, echoed the importance of aligning corporate practices with Ghana’s climate goals. She noted Tullow’s ongoing efforts to implement quantitative LDAR systems.  

Building capacity with technical workshops  

The event also included technical training sessions for EPA staff and industry stakeholders:  

• Interactive CoMAT Training: Lesley Feldman led a hands-on session on using CATF’s CoMAT tool to build a detailed methane emissions inventory. This inventory will help the EPA prioritize regulatory actions and estimate mitigation potential. 

• Implementing Best Practices: CATF experts provided practical guidance on methane reduction measures, including LDAR, quantitative LDAR, and emissions measurement standards. Participants learned bottom-up and top-down measurement techniques to reconcile facility-level and field-level emissions data, ensuring a comprehensive approach to emissions monitoring.  

The global relevance of Ghana’s methane mitigation efforts  

Overall, the gathering underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies, industry operators, and international organizations to advance methane mitigation efforts in Ghana. By combining regulatory frameworks, industry best practices, and technical expertise, Ghana is well-positioned to lead in methane policy development. Through its efforts in Ghana, CATF is also establishing a model for effective methane management that can be replicated in other countries.