Presbyterian Church, Clean Air Fund launches campaign against air pollution

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana, through its Relief Services and Development program, has joined forces with the Clean Air Fund to launch a comprehensive clean-air campaign in Accra and Kumasi. This initiative specifically targets persons with disabilities (PWDs) and vulnerable communities, focusing on areas such as Ashaiman, Agbogbloshie, Anloga, and Sokoban.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Clean Air Fund data, air pollution ranks as Ghana's second-most pressing public health threat, causing over 28,000 deaths annually. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels often surpass safe WHO guidelines, with some hotspots registering concentrations up to 11 times higher than the recommended limits.

During a community discussion with PWDs in Kumasi, Dr. Lawrencia Osae-Nyarko, a project expert, highlighted the severe health risks associated with prolonged exposure to PM2.5 from sources like sawdust burning, e-waste emissions, and roadside dust. These microscopic particles can infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Dr. Osae-Nyarko emphasized the heightened vulnerability of PWDs due to limited access to health information and other social and economic obstacles. She urged targeted measures to safeguard these individuals from pollution.

Emmanuel Nyarko Ankamah, the National Coordinator of PRESED, stressed that collective action is essential for environmental protection. "It cannot rest solely on government agencies; everyone must contribute to building clean, safe, and healthy communities," he stated. Gordon Dakuu, a Portfolio Analyst at the Clean Air Fund, explained that the campaign aims to establish local air-quality monitoring networks and foster ongoing community efforts to combat air pollution.

Activities as part of this campaign have included community clean-up events and demonstrations on effective waste management, the elimination of open burning, biomass recycling, and the use of suitable personal protective equipment.