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Accra named as Africa’s 10th Most Polluted City – 2023 World Air Quality Report

An unseen foe, pollution, lurks in the air in the center of Ghana, where the energetic streets of Accra teem with life.

The most recent IQAir-assembled 2023 Annual World Air Quality Report presents a dire image of Ghana’s air quality, putting it at an all-time low.

Africa’s 10th most polluted city is Accra, the busy metropolis, reflecting a growing issue throughout the continent.

Accra named as Africa’s 10th Most Polluted City – 2023 World Air Quality Report

Ghana’s air quality has been declining over time, which is concerning. Ghana ranked 27th out of the world’s most polluted nations in 2022.

Ghana, on the other hand, is ranked 17th in the most recent study, which clearly shows a sharp drop in air quality. An important measure of air pollution, the average PM 2.5 values, have been growing rapidly.

The level of PM 2.5 reached an all-time high of 33.2 µg/m³ in 2023, underscoring the gravity of the problem.

The seriousness of the problem throughout Africa is further highlighted by city rankings. Based on WHO annual PM 2.5 guideline data for 2023, Accra is among the ten most polluted cities on the continent; only 3.8% of African cities satisfy this standard.

The paper provides insight into the larger African context by demonstrating that, of 134 nations worldwide, only 10 were able to meet the WHO annual PM 2.5 limit, indicating an urgent need for action.

action.

Air pollution is not just a statistic; it’s a silent killer with profound implications for public health. Exposure to PM 2.5 pollutants, originating from various sources including combustion engines, industrial processes, and wildfires, has been linked to a myriad of health issues ranging from respiratory diseases to cognitive impairment, affecting individuals of all ages.

Air pollution in Ghana results in approximately 28,000 deaths annually, equating to approximately one person dying every 19 minutes.

The repercussions of air pollution extend beyond health concerns, encompassing economic ramifications as well.

A report by the Clean Air Fund warns that without crucial urban development interventions, the economic cost of air pollution in rapidly expanding urban cities like Accra could skyrocket to a staggering $137.8 billion by 2040, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive policy measures.

The 2023 World Air Quality Report serves as a wake-up call, urging governments, organizations, and communities to unite in combating this looming crisis.

Ensuring human health and promoting sustainable development throughout the continent requires precise assessment of air pollution, strong policy frameworks, and cooperative efforts.

A call to action lingers in the air as the sun sets over Accra’s busy streets, reminding everyone that the fight against air pollution is a shared endeavor to safeguard the health of both the present and the future. It’s time to make things right and create a cleaner, healthier future for everybody.

 

Akosua Boatemaa

I'm Yours Truly, Blogger Akosua Boatemaa. I'm here to feed Your eyes and Ears with Authentic News Updates.

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