Ghana faces dangerously high levels of air pollution, especially in urban centers like Accra and Kumasi. We advocate for stronger air quality standards, enforcement mechanisms, and cleaner energy transitions to protect public health
Breathing in Danger – Ghana’s Air Pollution Crisis
In cities like Accra and Kumasi, stepping outside sometimes means breathing in a silent killer. Air pollution in Ghana has reached perilous levels, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) hovering at five times above WHO’s recommended threshold.
The Consequences:
- Over 28,000 premature deaths annually
- A staggering $264 million in economic loss
- Rising respiratory illnesses, especially in children and the elderly
What’s Fueling the Crisis:
- Open burning of waste and biomass
- Unregulated vehicle emissions
- Industrial smoke and dust
Solutions on the Horizon:
- Shift toward clean fuels: solar, LPG, and improved stoves
- Enforce vehicular and industrial emission standards
- Green city planning and urban tree planting
Clean air isn’t a privilege — it’s a right. And it’s time Ghana made it non-negotiable
