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The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) office at Odawna Circle hosted a campaign launch aimed at tackling air pollution in the country. The Clean Air Fund, in collaboration with Infinity970, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities through education and interaction, launched a media engagement initiative to highlight the challenges of air pollution and promote solutions.
Desmond Appiah, Country Lead for Clean Air Fund, emphasized the need to sensitize citizens about air pollution and its impact on health and the economy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 28,000 people die from air pollution in Ghana each year. The main sources of pollution in urban areas include transport, waste burning, and household energy. Mr Appiah stressed that awareness and action are crucial to reducing pollution levels and improving air quality.
The economic implications of air pollution were also significant, with a World Bank report estimating that air pollution costs Ghana $2.5 billion annually. This cost was attributed to the rising incidence of diseases such as asthma, strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which were linked to air pollution. Mr Appiah emphasized that the impact of air pollution was not just a long-term concern, but a pressing issue that required immediate attention and action.
Dr. Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour, Portfolio Manager for Breath Cities, highlighted the transport sector's significant contribution to air pollution in Accra, accounting for 40% of the city's pollution levels. He emphasized that tackling air pollution from the transport sector would go a long way in reducing overall pollution levels. Dr Kyere-Gyeabour also noted that air pollution had become the second leading risk factor for mortality, causing people to die from stroke, non-communicable diseases like diabetes, and even miscarriages. He stressed the need for awareness and action to address this critical issue.
The activation event at Odawna Circle is part of a broader initiative to engage communities, markets, schools, offices, and policymakers in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. The goal is to create awareness and inform people about the effects of air pollution and the steps they can take to protect themselves. Citizens are encouraged to take three key actions: stop air pollution, call the dedicated number 0579 724072 or send a WhatsApp, and speak to their Assembly representatives.
The initiative aims to galvanize support and encourage citizens to report instances of air pollution, which will be used to inform policymakers and local assemblies. By working together, the Clean Air Fund, Infinity970, and their partners hope to inspire action and promote solutions to reduce pollution and improve air quality in Ghana.
About Infinity970
Infinity970 is a not-for-profit organization.
We believe in empowering communities through education and interaction
Our mission is to help improve the lives, livelihoods and well-being of our communities, through engagement, advocacy and access to quality products and services.
We are championing the Clean Air initiative because it falls within our scope of Education. Community health & Well-being
