Air Pollution Crisis in Accra Takes a Deadly Toll: A Silent Killer
Accra, the bustling capital city of Ghana, is grappling with a lethal air pollution crisis that is silently claiming lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm, warning that the city’s dense, noxious fumes are permeating the lungs of millions, resulting in devastating consequences over time. The exhaust gases from vehicles, including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, and harmful particulates, are the culprits behind this public health emergency.
For Reuben Alexander Otu, a resident of Accra, the effects of this toxic smog hit close to home. Like many Ghanaians, he relies on public transport for his daily commute, exposing himself to the harmful emissions from the exhaust pipes of vehicles, particularly the notorious trotros. Despite wearing a nose mask, Reuben still struggles to shield himself from the onslaught of poisonous fumes. He vividly recalls a harrowing incident when he had to ask a friend to roll up a window to escape the assault of passing vehicle emissions. The impact of this pollution on respiratory health is undeniable, with asthma cases rapidly increasing in Ghana.
Asthma, a global concern, has become a major non-communicable disease (NCD) in Ghana. The WHO reported 2,772,157 NCD cases in the country since 2020, with asthma ranking third, surpassing hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Shockingly, there have been 84,700 new asthma cases in 2021, followed by 79,355 in 2022. The first half of 2023 alone saw the emergence of 36,780 fresh cases of asthma. Managing this chronic disease requires daily medication, which comes at a significant cost. Reuben recounts the financial strain he experienced before his university covered the medication expenses. His plea for action is echoed by many asthma sufferers who feel neglected, with the issue receiving little attention from policymakers.
Adding to the challenges, monitoring infrastructure for air pollution is scarce in many regions of Ghana. Even the limited number of monitoring stations in the country reveal a bleak picture of declining air quality. For individuals who are particularly sensitive to these fluctuations, the very air they breathe has become an adversary instead of a life-sustaining force.
To address this urgent problem, Reuben and many others are calling for government intervention to combat the worsening air quality in Accra. Decisive action is needed to protect the health and well-being of the city’s residents. Without such intervention, the silent killer of air pollution will continue to take a deadly toll on the people of Accra.
In conclusion, Accra’s lethal air pollution crisis is a silent killer that poses a grave threat to the health and lives of its residents. Urgent measures, including improved public transportation and stricter emissions standards, are necessary to combat this growing problem. The government must take action to tackle the root causes of air pollution and protect the well-being of the population. Without intervention, the toll of asthma cases and other respiratory diseases will continue to rise, leaving Accra’s residents gasping for clean air.
