The widespread practice of burning crop waste and trees to clear farmlands across Ghana is fueling a growing public health and environmental crisis. Experts warn that burning just one kilogramme of crop residue produces smoke levels more than 100 times higher than the safety threshold set by the World Health Organization.
This dangerous practice is causing a range of illnesses and deaths for people exposed to the smoke. It also risks Ghana’s food systems and adds to the global issue of climate change. The practice of slash and burn farming involves cutting down vegetation and setting it on fire. Farmers then burn leftover crop residue after harvests to quickly clear fields.
These methods are common because they are cheap and fast for many smallholder farmers. However, the smoke released pollutes the air. This can cause chronic health problems, especially for children and the elderly nearby. Over time, burning the same land strips it of nutrients. This makes the soil weak and less productive.
Cecilia Teye Ameh, a 40-year-old rice farmer, has experienced these dangers firsthand. Smoke from bush burning has caused her asthma attacks and high blood pressure. It also causes eye irritation that can lead to vision loss. "When I inhale the smoke I get sick and I go to Juapong Hospital for medicine," she said.
Mathias Kwame Nunekpeku, a farmer with 20 years of experience, faces similar issues. His asthma and diabetes worsen with burning. "Anytime I burn the bush, the smoke catches me and my asthma starts at once," he stated. The high cost of alternatives like weedicides forces farmers to continue burning.
Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, a study author from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, highlights the health impacts. "Reducing or stopping bush burning could significantly cut air pollution and help lower heat levels in the atmosphere," he said. Polluted air inhaled into the body can trigger asthma attacks and increase the risk of lung cancer with prolonged exposure.
Public health specialist Benson Owusu notes that long-term exposure can lead to illnesses such as asthma, reduced lung function, high blood pressure, diabetes, infertility, and stillbirths. These effects impact not only farmers but also residents and children in nearby communities.
This issue presents a significant public health challenge for Ghana. The reliance on burning reflects economic pressures on farmers. Finding affordable and effective alternatives is crucial for the well-being of communities and the environment. The study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is expected to provide further data on the extent of the crisis.