Programme to test vehicle emissions launched
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a programme to test emissions from vehicles as part of measures to reduce air pollution in the country.
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The month-long nationwide pilot programme is expected to collect data to the serve as a prelude to emission test becoming part of roadworthy test before vehicles can be registered.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service will, from next week, set up spots along designated roads in the regional capitals, where vehicles will be subjected to voluntary testing for levels of emissions.
No test, no roadworthy certificate
The programme seeks to ensure that all motor vehicles and motorised equipment in the country and those imported are less pollutant or fall within acceptable emission standards.
In the near future, the test is expected to become mandatory, and vehicles that do not meet emission standards will not be issued with roadworthy certificates.
Health implications
The emission of exhaust fumes from 'tired' vehicles on Accra roads and other highways across the country is a common occurrence. What is serious is that the fumes contain dangerous chemicals, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
According to medical experts, carbon monoxide could have severe effects on the foetus of a pregnant woman exposed to it, leading to significant toxicity of the central nervous system and the heart.
The inhalation of carbon monoxide could lead to even death, while chronic exposure to low levels of it could lead to depression, confusion and memory loss.
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Ghana’s effort to reduce vehicular emissions has, over the years, seen interventions, including the phasing out of leaded gasoline, procurement of crude oil with low sulphur content and restriction on age limit of vehicles imported into the country.
Minister
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovations, Mr Mahama Ayariga, observed that the level of vehicular pollution was an issue that bothered all.
“We could stop all that if we reduce emission from our vehicles to the allowable standards by strengthening the enforcement systems,” the minister stated.
He said the problem had to do with the failure to put in place enforcement mechanisms and indicated that under the new programme, there would be a deployment of infrastructure and the needed technology nationwide to monitor vehicle emissions to reduce its health implications.
The programme, he said, would be extended to cover vessels, ships, aircraft and plants of companies to ensure that the system comprehensively addressed air pollution in the country.
Mr Ayariga further observed that when implemented, it would also reduce the importation of second-hand engines and promote the culture of vehicle maintenance.
The minister said in the near future, owners of vehicles emitting such dangerous fumes would be fined.
Guidelines
The Executive Director of the EPA, Mr Daniel Amlalo, said the agency was developing guidelines for motor emissions that would eventually be set as standards.
He said the testing would initially be done free of charge during the trial period but, subsequently, fees would be charged as part of roadworthy certification.