Six students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) are spearheading a significant drive for cleaner air. They serve as Air Quality Ambassadors, working to tackle the pervasive issue of air pollution across Ghana and the wider West African region. This initiative highlights a growing concern over environmental health and its direct impact on public well-being.
Air pollution in Ghana poses a serious threat. It stems from various sources including burning rubbish, vehicle exhaust, dust, industrial emissions, and roadside vending. This invisible danger contributes to numerous health problems. The State of Global Air report estimates that around 32,000 Ghanaians die each year due to air pollution-related illnesses. The World Bank has also quantified the economic cost, stating that Ghana loses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses due to this environmental challenge.
These six ambassadors are stepping into a void of public conversation on air quality. They aim to bridge the gap between scientific data and public understanding. Their work is critical in a country where economic growth often comes with environmental trade-offs. For instance, the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation seen in recent years have intensified pollution sources. Previous efforts to address pollution have often been fragmented, underscoring the need for coordinated advocacy.
Shaddai Empress Molson Gattor, a Project Lead, highlights the personal motivation behind her involvement. She lost a friend to asthma complications exacerbated by nearby rubbish burning. This tragic event fuels her commitment to educating communities. "Clean air is not a privilege, but then it is a right for everyone," she states. Gattor is also developing a children's book to instill early awareness about air quality.
Godwin Ebo Fosu, another ambassador, uses his research background to connect with communities. He observes mothers cooking with babies on their backs, both inhaling harmful smoke, often unaware of the risks. "Sister Afia herself is coughing. And her daughter at the back, most often are silent, because for them, they don't even know what's happening," he explains. Fosu's 'Catch Them Young' initiative engages primary school children, using air tracker cards to monitor pollution sources. He has also presented air quality data, including PM2.5 and PM10 levels, to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, urging them to back their 'Oxygen City' claims with evidence.
Mercy Mawunyo Apaw, an MPhil student, is building the scientific infrastructure for this advocacy. She is instrumental in developing the Ghana Air Quality Data Hub. This platform, a collaboration with the EPA and the Clean Air Fund, aims to centralise scattered air quality data from various institutions. The hub is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, making crucial data more accessible for researchers and policymakers alike.
The ambassadors' efforts are expected to raise public awareness and influence policy. Increased public engagement could lead to greater demand for stricter environmental regulations. Businesses may also feel pressure to adopt cleaner production methods. Policymakers will likely respond to growing public concern and the clear economic case for cleaner air. The success of these ambassadors could pave the way for more robust air quality management strategies nationwide.