Presbyterian Church, Clean Air Fund launches campaign against air pollution
The Presbyterian Relief Services and Development (PRESED) of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, in partnership with the Clean Air Fund, has launched an inclusive clean-air campaign targeting persons with disabilities (PWDs) and vulnerable communities in Accra and Kumasi.
The initiative covers Ashaiman and Agbogbloshie in the Greater Accra Region and Anloga and Sokoban in Kumasi, with a focus on communities exposed to high levels of air pollution.
According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Clean Air Fund, air pollution is Ghana’s second-largest public health threat, claiming more than 28,000 lives annually.
National exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) also regularly exceeds safe WHO guidelines, with some hotspots recording levels up to 11 times higher than recommended.
Sokoban, a major wood-processing hub in Kumasi, is particularly affected by fine wood dust, open burning of sawdust, charcoal production and roadside dust, exposing workers and surrounding communities to potentially harmful pollutants.
At a community engagement with PWDs in Kumasi last Tuesday, the project’s Technical expert, Dr Lawrencia Osae-Nyarko, warned that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 from sawdust burning, e-waste fumes and roadside dust could cause serious health problems.
She explained that the tiny particles, which are 2.5 micrometres or smaller, could penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
“These particles penetrate deep into the lungs, cross into the bloodstream, and scar tissues irreversibly,” she said.
Dr Osae-Nyarko called for targeted measures to protect PWDs, saying their limited access to health information and other social and economic challenges could increase their vulnerability to pollution.
The National Coordinator of PRESED, Mr Emmanuel Nyarko Ankamah, said protecting the environment required collective action.
“Environmental protection must not be left to government agencies alone. Every individual has a role to play in creating clean, safe and healthy communities,” he said.
Clean Air Fund Portfolio Analyst, Mr Gordon Dakuu, said the campaign seeks to establish local air-quality monitoring networks and strengthen sustained community action on air pollution.
As part of the engagement, community clean-up exercises and demonstrations on proper waste management, elimination of open burning, recycling of biomass and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment were held.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI
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