Ghana is grappling with a severe health crisis as air pollution reaches unprecedented levels, causing a surge in related diseases and deaths. In 2022, the Ghana Health Service reported that air pollution-induced illnesses, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, asthma, heart failure, stroke, and cancer, had become the leading causes of death. Additionally in Accra, hypertension and acute respiratory tract infections dominate outpatient cases for the past four years.
The primary cause of this crisis is Ghana’s aging and heavily polluting vehicle fleet. According to the Ministry of Transport’s National Electric Vehicle Policy, the transport sector, comprising 3.2 million vehicles as of 2022, is the largest source of air pollution in the country. Alarmingly, over 95% of these vehicles are old and emit harmful pollutants, resulting in air pollution levels eleven times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits.
The Ghana Health Service has reported an increase in asthma cases and worsening of existing conditions linked to high levels of pollutants. Diesel fumes, recognized as carcinogenic, are causing lung cancer and other severe health problems without much notice.
To better understand the extent of the problem, the Sensor Evaluation and Training Centre for West Africa (Afri-SET), conducted a survey using Atmotube Pro air quality sensors. The pollution levels during rush hour across various routes in Greater Accra. The findings indicated pollution levels ranging from “moderate” to “severely polluted,” with the highest readings on routes such as Tema Station to Adentan, Odorkor, Ablekuma, Achimota, Newtown, Spintex, Amasaman, Kaneshie, Kwabenya, Korle-Bu, and Nungua.
Dr. Nene Kuditchar, an Environmental Politics lecturer at the University of Ghana, expressed deep concern over the findings. “We are just living under divine grace because the level of polluted air in the capital city, Accra, is baffling,” he told RGGNEWS. He highlighted that, aside vehicles, industrial activities also contribute significantly to the current air quality crisis.
The health repercussions extend beyond physical ailments. Dr. Reginald Quansah, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Public Health, confirmed that prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. “Stress from traffic and dirty air is a significant factor,” he noted.
The economic burden of air pollution is also substantial. People spend considerable amounts on medications, medical tests, and face income loss if hospitalized. Breathe City Ghana estimates that the economic cost of air pollution in Ghana is approximately $2.5 billion, or about 4.2% of the country’s 2017 GDP.
In response to the crisis, Ghana plans to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles over the next 21 years under the National Electric Vehicle Policy. However, this transition will require significant government support. Experts recommend starting with regulatory reviews, raising public awareness, and enforcing stricter emissions standards.
Emmanuel Appoh, Managing Director of Envirofit, stated that, the current limitations prevent police officers from arresting drivers for excessive emissions due to a lack of measurement instruments. However, the upcoming Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations 2024 should mandate emission testing and certification for vehicles, enabling law enforcement to take action against polluting cars.
Ghana’s journey towards cleaner air will necessitate a multi-faceted approach, involving regulation, technology, and public awareness, to protect the health and well-being of its citizens.
