Air quality data from Accra over the past two decades reveals a concerning trend: while households are reducing wood and charcoal use, waste burning is negating these gains and posing serious health risks. This warning was discussed at the 2025 Breathe Accra National Stakeholder Convening, which aimed to translate scientific insights into actionable policy.
Dr. Raphael Arku, an Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, highlighted that while progress has been made in reducing biomass emissions, the rise in waste burning is counteracting these improvements. He pointed out that traffic emissions have remained stable over the years, and without addressing waste burning alongside biomass and traffic emissions, progress in air quality could stagnate.
Research presented at the event also indicated dangerously high levels of sulfur dioxide in specific communities, with serious health consequences linked to open burning practices and inadequate industrial regulations. The findings revealed alarming disparities, particularly in districts like Jamestown and La, where residents face significant air quality-related health issues.
The Breathe Accra initiative aims to promote clean air as a public health priority, emphasizing the need for better monitoring and stricter regulations. Health officials underscored the growing burden of respiratory illnesses, while the new Environmental Protection Act and Air Quality Management Regulations aim to enhance regulatory oversight and improve air quality standards. Addressing waste burning and transport emissions holds the potential to significantly reduce pollution and safeguard public health.
SOURCE: MY JOY ONLINE
