A recent study has revealed a stark reality: air pollution has become the leading cause of death in Ghana, overtaking HIV/AIDS, malaria, and road traffic accidents.
According to the research, air pollution claims over 30,000 lives annually, with the majority of these deaths attributed to related illnesses such as asthma, lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases (See Daily Graphic, Wednesday, September 17, 2025).
This alarming trend demands immediate attention and action from policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
The study, conducted by PSS Urbania Consult with support from the Clean Air Fund, monitored over 60 sites across the Greater Accra Region and found that air quality levels far exceed Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency standards and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
The research identified key pollution hotspots: Ablekuma Central, Ablekuma North, Ablekuma West, Adentan, Ablekuma South, Ashiedu Keteke and Okaikoi South municipalities.
The rest are Ayawaso Central, Ayawaso East, Ayawaso North, Ayawaso West, Korle Klottey, La Dade Kotopon, La Nkwantanang Madina and Okaikwei North municipalities.
These areas are characterised by high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, which pose significant health risks to residents.
PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles, which are a major air pollutant and a significant health threat, while PM10 is particulate matter (solid or liquid particles) small enough to enter the lungs and cause respiratory and cardiovascular health problems.
The sources of pollution are many, ranging from vehicular emissions to road construction dust.
The increasing number of vehicles on the roads contributes significantly to air pollution.
Also, the practice of burning waste in open spaces releases toxic pollutants into the atmosphere.
Firewood is also another factor - the reliance on firewood for cooking and heating purposes adds to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
The use of pesticides in farming activities also impacts air pollution, while the rapid pace of urbanisation, industrial activities and infrastructure development generates significant amounts of dust, exacerbating air pollution.
The Daily Graphic is happy that the study will serve as a critical step towards evidence-based environmental governance and public health protection.
Accurate data informs policy decision-making, enabling the government to develop targeted interventions to reduce air pollution and mitigate its health impact.
Data could also help in evaluating interventions aimed at reducing air pollution.
When policymakers understand the impact of air pollution, they can develop strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
For instance, the Ghana Urban Air Quality Project aims to bridge air pollution data gaps, providing real-time data to influence policy.
Another important aspect of this study is the platform it provides to raise awareness of air pollution and its impact on public health, and for the relevant authorities to take action.
One of the ways to address this pressing issue of air pollution is to integrate air quality action plans, and the Daily Graphic supports the call by the National Development Planning Commission to metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to integrate air quality action plans into their medium-term development plans.
Promoting clean energy has been the country’s agenda for some time now, but there is a need to intensify that because transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power, could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease air pollution.
The country needs to improve its waste management. With proper and effective waste management systems, including recycling and proper disposal of waste, open burning and pollution can be reduced to the barest minimum.
Furthermore, it must enforce strict emission standards for vehicles.
Regular emission testing could help identify vehicles that do not meet the required standards.
Developing efficient public transportation systems could also reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing emissions.
Air pollution is a ticking time bomb that requires immediate attention and collective action.
All hands must be on deck to mitigate its impact and create a healthier environment for all Ghanaians.
As the Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Local Government, Usama Iddrisu Samu, aptly put it, "Cleaner air is not just an environmental aspiration, but a development priority that must be at the heart of our national agenda.”
