The initiative dubbed “Investment Case for Improved Air Quality and Health in Ghana” project which kick started in 2025 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.

At an inception meeting, Dr. Edward Ampratwum, the UNDP Ghana’s Governance and Inclusive Growth Lead, emphasised the importance of the project to ensuring clean air and public health in Ghana.

“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,” he said.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) data, about 99 percent 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 estimated that over 28,000 premature deaths were due to the combined effects of household and ambient air pollution.

According to Dr Ampratwum, the new initiative focuses on generating prioritised city and national level funding to improve air quality in Ghana and Accra.

Additionally, he said engaging policymakers by increasing their capacity to support investment in reducing air pollution and addressing the impacts of air pollution on non-communicable diseases and healthcare burden.
He said addressing air pollution was 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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).