By Godson Kofi DAVIES
Air quality has increasingly become a source of concern, with significant implications for public health. Cities like Accra and Kumasi are at the heart of this crisis, facing challenges that stem from rapid urbanisation, increased vehicular emissions and industrial growth. The deteriorating air quality in these areas is having a profound impact on the respiratory health of their populations with rising cases of asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
The state of urban air quality in Ghana
Accra and Kumasi, two of our largest cities, are notorious for their congested traffic and the resultant air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in these cities consistently exceed global air quality guidelines. Studies have shown that the concentration of PM2.5 in Accra, for instance, is often four times higher than WHO’s recommended maximum, posing severe health risks to residents.
The primary contributors to poor air quality include vehicle emissions, industrial discharge and the widespread burning of biomass. In residential areas, the use of low-quality fuels for cooking and heating further exacerbates the problem, releasing copious amounts of smoke and pollutants into the air.
Respiratory health challenges
The implications of such pollution are dire for respiratory health. According to the Ghana Health Service, respiratory diseases are among the top causes of morbidity in urban centres, with children and the elderly being particularly vulnerable. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are prevalent, with recent data suggesting that urban air pollution contributes to over 20 percent of these cases.
A 2019 study published in the Ghana Medical Journal reported a significant association between air pollution and increased hospital admissions for respiratory conditions. Children under five years of age and adults over 40 are most affected, often requiring repeated hospital visits for symptoms exacerbated by polluted air.
Comparative insight: lessons from abroad
Globally, other nations have taken robust steps to tackle urban air pollution and its health impacts. For example, Singapore has implemented stringent air quality standards and regular monitoring, coupled with strict regulations on vehicle emissions and industrial activities.
This proactive approach has seen a marked improvement in urban air quality and a corresponding decrease in respiratory health issues. Similarly, cities like Madrid and Paris have introduced low emission zones and traffic reduction policies, which have significantly improved air quality. These cities offer valuable lessons in policy and urban planning that Ghana could adopt and implement.
Recommendations for urban Ghana
To combat urban air pollution and its detrimental health effects in Ghana, several strategic measures are necessary. Strengthening emission regulations through stricter enforcement and setting higher standards for both industrial and vehicular outputs is crucial. Enhancing the public transport system would help decrease the number of private vehicles, thus reducing traffic-related pollution.
Urban greening projects – such as the development of urban forests, green belts and rooftop gardens – should be implemented to absorb pollutants and improve air quality. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate the population about the risks of air pollution and promote healthier practices such as using cleaner cooking fuels and reducing waste burning. Improving healthcare infrastructure is vital to better diagnose, treat and manage respiratory diseases through enhanced training for healthcare providers, comprehensive disease management programmes and robust patient education.
The nexus between urban air quality and respiratory health in Ghana is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Adopting stringent environmental controls, enhancing public health infrastructure and learning from international best practices, Ghana can safeguard the health of its urban populations.
Addressing air quality is not just about improving health outcomes but also about enhancing the quality of life and economic productivity of the populace. As Ghana continues to grow and urbanise, proactive management of air quality will be crucial to ensure that its cities remain vibrant and healthy places to live.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation.
>>>I’ll be your wingman on your health journey! The writer is a public health professional with a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield, USA and works as a Medical Fraud Analyst at the Illinois Office of Inspector-General. He founded GD Consult in Ghana to promote healthy lifestyles and developed innovative projects, such as a Health Risk Assessment Model for hydraulic fracking operations. He can be reached via [email protected]
