A recent report has attributed 30, 000 deaths per annum in Ghana to air pollution-related diseases such as asthma, lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
This makes air pollution now the leading cause of death in the country, overtaking HIV/AIDS, malaria and road traffic accidents.
The study was spearheaded by PSS Urbania Consult, a Ghanaian urban planning and environmental consultancy, with technical and financial support from the Clean Air Fund, a global philanthropic initiative focused on reducing air pollution worldwide.
The study identified vehicular emissions, open waste burning, use of firewood, pesticides from farming activities to dust from road construction as some of the major sources of pollution.
Air pollution is a growing concern in Ghana, posing significant health risks to the population. Exposure to pollutants can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems.
Data from the report revealed that air quality levels in many locations far exceeded the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) standards and the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, confirming the dire state of air quality in the capital region.
This emphasizes the urgency of addressing air pollution as a national development priority.
The consequences are far-reaching, affecting the quality of life and placing a strain on the healthcare system.
Ghana recently passed an Air Quality Management Regulation to improve the quality of air in the country but to effectively address the challenge, there’s the need for a holistic approach.
Several measures can be implemented including transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can reduce emissions from power plants. Improving public transportation and promoting electric vehicles can decrease emissions from the transport sector. Stricter regulations on industrial emissions and better waste management practices are also crucial.
Addressing air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, public awareness, and individual actions.
By implementing these measures, Ghana can improve air quality and protect the health of its citizens.
