A new study conducted by a Ghanaian-based consultancy and research firm specialising in the environment, PSS Urbania Consult, has revealed that air pollution has become the leading cause of premature deaths in Ghana, overtaking long-standing health threats such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.
According to the report, the rapid pace of urbanisation, coupled with poor waste management, industrial emissions, and vehicular fumes, has significantly worsened Ghana’s air quality.
This has led to rising cases of respiratory diseases, heart complications, and stroke-related deaths, placing a heavier burden on the country’s healthcare system.
In Ghana, the study emphasised that failure to act swiftly could lead to worsening public health outcomes and increased economic losses.
The one-year research project by PSS Urbania Consult has revealed alarming levels of air pollution across the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).
The study, which began in August 2024 and was extended to September 2025 due to data collection delays during the rainy season, involved continuous monitoring at more than 60 sites.
Pollution hotspots
The research identified several municipalities as critical pollution hotspots, including:
Ablekuma Central, North, West, and South
Adentan
Ashiedu Keteke
Okaikoi South
Other high-risk areas were Ayawaso Central, East, North, and West, as well as Korle Klottey, La Dade Kotopon, La Nkwantanang Madina, and Okaikoi North.
Each municipality had four designated monitoring points, where researchers tracked concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) over one week.
PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, posing severe health risks.
PM10 includes slightly larger particles that also contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
The study’s findings were officially presented yesterday at a high-level validation workshop for the Air Quality Action Plans developed for 13 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region.
The results were presented by Dr Joseph Ayitio, Lead Consultant at PSS Urbania, alongside Frederick Otu-Larbi, the firm’s Air Quality Specialist.
The workshop represented a major step toward evidence-based environmental governance and public health protection. It featured presentations, working group sessions, and strategic planning discussions aimed at education, sensitisation, and policymaking.
Key stakeholders in attendance included representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, the National Development Planning Commission, and the Ghana Institute of Planners, among others.
Causes of rising pollution levels
The study highlights multiple sources fueling the crisis:
Vehicular emissions are due to increasing car imports, many of which are old and poorly maintained.
Industrial pollution, especially from factories operating without adequate emission controls.
Open burning of waste in urban and peri-urban areas.
Dust pollution from unpaved roads and construction sites.
