{
  "id": 5075350,
  "title": "Air pollution sickens traders at Tema Station in Korle Klottey",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/air-pollution-sickens-traders-at-tema-station-in-korle-klottey",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T11:27:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/air-pollution-sickens-traders-at-tema-station-in-korle-klottey/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Traders at the Tema Lorry Station in Ghana's Korle Klottey Municipality have expressed worry over health issues linked to high levels of vehicle pollution. The station, located in the bustling Korle Klottey area, sees traders spend extended periods working in close proximity to running engines. Joseph Kwaku Opoku, a shoemaker who has worked at the station for three years, complains of chest heaviness, frequent colds, headaches, and high blood pressure – all symptoms he attributes to prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions. Despite numerous requests, some drivers continue to leave their engines running, even when stationary. Another trader, Ajaw Boakyewaa, a mother of two who sells wigs and hair products, also reports similar health problems like colds, eye irritation, and eye pain. Both traders frequently urge drivers to switch off their engines but note that their pleas often fall on deaf ears. Health authorities warn that the region is experiencing an increase in respiratory illnesses, urging the public to adopt measures to reduce pollution. Dr Robert Amissiya, Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, says the health department is taking steps to address the issue and recommends that individuals exposed to smoke use nose masks for protection. The Municipal Health Promotion Officer for Korle Klottey, Daniel Kwame Amaning, attributes the decline in respiratory illness cases this year to public education campaigns on the dangers of open burning. The Environmental Health Director has confirmed that pollution sensors installed around the area have recorded high pollution levels. He emphasizes ongoing education programs to inform traders, drivers, and residents about the health risks associated with air pollution. The Deputy Director and Acting Director at the CSIR-Water Research Institute, Kwadwo R. Asante, warns of serious health consequences from prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions, including cancer risks. He urges stronger measures to prevent highly polluting vehicles from operating and calls for stricter vehicle emissions testing. The DVLA's Chief Executive Officer, Julius NiiQuaye Kotey, confirms that the authority is reviewing its plans for emissions testing, emphasizing the need for effective testing to identify and address the issue. The story highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of vehicle emission regulations in the Korle Klottey area to protect the health of workers and residents.",
  "summary": "Traders operating at the Tema Lorry Station in the Korle Klottey Municipality have raised concerns over prolonged exposure to vehicle smoke, as health and environmental authorities warn that rising air pollution could be contributing to respiratory illnesses in the area. The traders say they spend several hours each day inhaling fumes from vehicles whose engines remain running while parked or…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Air pollution sickens traders at Tema station in Korle Klottey",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/air-pollution-sickens-traders-at-tema-station-in-korle-klottey",
        "published": "2026-09-01T20:04:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}