The 2024 World Air Quality Report indicates that Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda are among the world’s most polluted nations, with alarming PM2.5 levels. Chad ranks first globally, while Ghana’s pollution metrics have worsened significantly, indicating a national health crisis. Urgent actions are necessary to address the ongoing environmental and health challenges posed by air pollution in Africa.
The 2024 World Air Quality Report has disclosed that Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda are ranked among the most polluted countries globally. This report highlights a deteriorating air quality crisis affecting millions. Chad leads the rankings with a PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 µg/m³. Meanwhile, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana report PM2.5 levels of 40.1 µg/m³, 40.8 µg/m³, and 35.8 µg/m³ respectively, indicating a serious public health risk.
PM2.5 particles, which are microscopic, can deeply penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, leading to severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The University of Chicago’s AQLI data indicates that air pollution has reduced life expectancy by an average of 2.7 years in heavily polluted regions. In Ghana alone, WHO estimated that air pollution was responsible for 28,000 deaths annually as of 2019, illustrating the urgent need for action against this silent health threat.
Ghana’s air quality has deteriorated drastically, with current pollution levels seven times higher than WHO’s guidelines. Accra ranks as the 16th most polluted capital city globally, while Kumasi has emerged as the most polluted city in Ghana, recording 39.5 µg/m³. Ghana’s pollution levels have surged from 30.2 µg/m³ in 2022 to a record 35.8 µg/m³ in 2024, elevating its rank among polluted nations.
The report also reveals that five of the world’s ten most polluted countries are located in Africa, and a mere 24 out of 54 African nations provided air quality data due to insufficient monitoring capabilities. Furthermore, 34% of African cities exhibit PM2.5 levels significantly higher than WHO recommendations, underscoring the continent’s struggle with pollution and the need for improved air quality monitoring.
The air pollution crisis in Ghana symbolizes a national health emergency, with an estimated one death occurring every 19 minutes. Projections indicate that if pollution trends persist, monthly deaths due to air toxicity could rise alarmingly. The economic implications are equally grave, with a Clean Air Fund report predicting a potential cost of $137.8 billion to the economy by 2040 if no actions are taken.
Globally, only 17% of urban areas meet WHO air quality standards. The most polluted nations include Chad, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, while only seven countries met the WHO PM2.5 guideline, showcasing a stark contrast in air quality across regions.
The report attributes Africa’s poor air quality to factors such as rapid urbanization, rising populations, industrial emissions, and improper waste disposal. With non-governmental organizations increasingly providing air quality data, there is an evident need for better government-led monitoring initiatives to tackle pollution.
In response to the escalating air quality crisis, experts urge Ghanaian authorities to implement stricter environmental policies, including enhanced vehicle emission regulations, investment in renewable energy, and expanded monitoring of air quality. Given Ghana’s position as one of the top 15 most polluted countries, urgent and decisive action is imperative to prevent further deterioration of air quality and protect public health.
In summary, Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda face grave air pollution challenges, as highlighted by the 2024 World Air Quality Report. Chad leads the rankings, while Ghana has experienced a rapid rise in pollution levels, categorizing it among the top 15 most polluted countries. The associated health risks, including premature deaths and economic costs, demand immediate government intervention and stricter regulations to combat this escalating crisis effectively. The need for comprehensive monitoring and data reporting remains crucial for future policy-making and public health initiatives.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
