Delayed construction projects creating air pollution and health risks for people across the country

In 2024, construction along the Adentan–Dodowa Road in Ghana has been plagued by delays, resulting in extensive dust and harmful pollutants that pose significant health risks to the community. The project, originally scheduled to take three years, has been ongoing for over a decade due to missed government payments to contractors.

This prolonged delay has left thousands of residents exposed to increased risks of diseases such as asthma, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Joseph Odei, a fellow of the Ghana Institution of Engineers, attributes the delays to poor oversight and corruption, stating that the government's failure to pay contractors has led to project stagnation.

The 22-kilometre Adentan–Dodowa dual carriageway, which stretches from the Adentan Barrier to the Dodowa Hospital Junction, is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve road safety. However, the project's completion remains uncertain, with experts suggesting it may not be finished until 2027. Kwame Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways, acknowledged the delays and attributed them to the previous government's failure to make agreed payments.

Gabriel Foli, the project manager for Oswald Investments, claimed the project was two-thirds complete but promised completion by March 2027.

Resident Mary Adjiele and her family have been severely affected by the construction, with three of her grandchildren developing severe coughs and high fevers. The family has had to spend a significant portion of their income on medical treatment, which has disrupted their business and daily lives. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to dust particles can lead to chronic illnesses, including kidney and heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

Dorcas Effah Agyeiwaa, a public health nurse at the community's Amamorley Clinic, explained that fine particulate matter in the dust can irritate airways and worsen asthma, potentially causing blood vessels to break and lead to blood in coughs.

Health authorities acknowledge the necessity of infrastructure development for economic growth but emphasize the health impacts that cannot be ignored. In the Greater Accra Region, respiratory illnesses have increased, with hypertension being the fifth highest cause of death in Accra. Dr Robert Amesiya, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Services, reported nearly 40,000 cases of asthma and cardiac cases in the region.

Residents along the road, including a spare parts dealer and waakye vendor, have expressed their concern over the health challenges posed by the dust, some even considering seeking medical attention or reducing their working hours.

Traditional leaders are also worried about the deteriorating health conditions in their community. Chief Adjie Kwashie, Linguist of the Adenta Frafraha, noted an increase in asthma cases and reported numerous residents complaining of respiratory issues. The traditional palace has had to be suspended due to the unhealthy environment. The community is urging the government to address the issue by asphalt-ing the road to reduce dust and improve living conditions for those affected.