UNDP Ghana and Clean Air Fund Launches Initiative to Combat Air Pollution and Enhance Public Health

19h ago | Source: UNDP

Dr. Edward Ampratwum, Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance delivering his remark at the Inception Workshop Meeting.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana, in partnership with Clean Air Fund is implementing an “Investment Case for Improved Air Quality and Health in Ghana” project which kick started in 2025 and will run until February 2026.

As part of the project initiation process, an inception meeting was held with key partners and stakeholders to gather valuable feedback, and gain insights and inputs for the project implementation.

This one-year project funded by the Clean Air Fund aims to provide decision-makers and stakeholders with a clear understanding of economic losses due to inaction on air pollution, a key environmental determinant of non-communicable diseases and of the economic benefits of scaled-up actions. The accompanying multisectoral action plan will also strengthen stakeholder coordination and enhance enforcement mechanisms around air pollution and health.

In delivering his remarks at the inception meeting, UNDP Ghana’s Governance and Inclusive Growth Lead, Dr. Edward Ampratwum, highlighted the utility of the investment case stating that, “data from this investment case and its accompanying multisectoral action plan will further strengthen advocacy and policymaking to reduce the devastating impacts of air pollution”.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, about 99% of the world population breathe air contaminated with soot, sulfur, and other toxic chemicals, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the greatest impact. In Ghana, WHO estimates that over 28 000 premature deaths are due to the combined effects of household and ambient air pollution.

This initiative focuses on generating prioritized city and national level funding to improve air quality in Ghana and Accra. Additionally, engaging policymakers by increasing their capacity to support investment in reducing air pollution and address the impacts of air pollution on non-communicable diseases and healthcare burden.

Addressing air pollution is crucial for achieving sustainable development and this project provides the needed push for creating a cleaner environment, improving health outcomes and ultimately advancing progress towards the SDGs.

About UNDP Ghana: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.