A recent health walk through Accra’s busiest streets uncovered significant pockets of air pollution. Participants recorded levels of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, that frequently exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) safety guidelines. This finding highlights a pressing public health concern for the city’s residents.
The Global Shapers Accra Hub and UrbanBetter Accra Hub organized this 7-kilometre walk on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The initiative, part of the Roots & Routes: Health Walk and Urban Canopy Initiative, aimed to gather real-time air quality data. Participants used small AirBeam monitors connected to the AirCasting app to measure PM2.5 levels along their route. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious health problems with repeated exposure.
This exercise fits into a broader narrative of environmental challenges facing Ghana’s urban centers. Rapid urbanization and increased vehicular traffic contribute significantly to air quality degradation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has previously indicated that air pollution often exceeds its own standards across much of Ghana. This trend poses long-term health and economic costs, including increased healthcare expenditure and reduced productivity.
Godwin Doe, Curator of the Global Shapers Accra Hub, stated, “This walk showed us that air pollution can change significantly within just a few kilometres, making clean air a daily issue that affects how we live, work and move around Accra.” Lord Offei-Darko, Accra Hub Coordinator for UrbanBetter, added that such community-led activities help ground conversations about healthier cities in people’s everyday experiences.
The implications of these findings are substantial for public health and urban planning. Decision-makers must consider stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, particularly regarding open burning. The data collected will support discussions on creating cleaner and safer urban spaces. This includes promoting sustainable transport options and improving waste management practices across the city.
During the two-hour walk, the lowest PM2.5 reading was 8 micrograms per cubic meter. However, the average reading stood at 28 micrograms per cubic meter. The WHO recommends an average exposure of no more than 15 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours. While these readings are short-term snapshots, they indicate significant exposure risks.
Pollution levels rose sharply on Liberation Road, especially when heavily polluting vehicles passed. Monitors recorded more than 100 micrograms per cubic meter at certain points. The highest reading, 107 micrograms per cubic meter, occurred near the Niger Embassy. Participants observed open burning in this area, which is prohibited under Ghana’s Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124).
Dr. Jonathan Akuaku, Project Lead for Roots and Routes under the World Economic Forum Equal Air Collaborative, emphasized the health impact. He stated, “The air around us is shaping our health every day. If we want to live long, healthy lives, we must take responsibility to call out and clean up what's polluting it.” This underscores the need for both individual and collective action.
Adotei Jacob Nii Akwei, Head Run Leader for UrbanBetter Accra Hub, highlighted the purpose of the data collection. He noted that using portable sensors captured real-time data on the air people breathe while being physically active. This information will help understand exposures better and strengthen the case for creating urban spaces where people can move safely and breathe cleaner air. The exercise was not merely about walking but about empowering ordinary citizens with information about their environment.
The findings call for urgent policy interventions and public awareness campaigns. Investing in public transport, promoting electric vehicles, and improving waste collection are crucial steps. Ensuring compliance with existing environmental laws, like the ban on open burning, is also vital. Accra’s future liveability and the health of its citizens depend on addressing these air quality challenges proactively and effectively.