Smoke from vehicle exhausts contains cancer-causing substances, health experts have warned, as a new study indicates that air pollution has become Ghana’s leading cause of death, claiming more than 30,000 lives annually.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating air quality across the country, with pollution levels in several communities exceeding national and international safety limits.
Researchers and public health experts are urging stricter enforcement of vehicle emission regulations, improved urban planning, and greater public awareness to curb pollution and prevent thousands of avoidable deaths linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancer-related illnesses.
Air pollution has increasingly become a major public health challenge in Ghana due to rapid urbanisation, rising vehicle numbers, open waste burning, industrial activities, and widespread use of biomass fuels.
According to the latest study conducted by PSS Urbania Consult with support from the Clean Air Fund, pollution-related illnesses now account for more deaths annually than malaria, HIV/AIDS, and road traffic accidents combined, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action by government, local authorities, and the public.
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Kwadwo Ansong, Deputy Director at CSIR-SARI, warned that car exhaust contains polycyclic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which are classified as carcinogenic by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
“The smoke from cars contains polycyclic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, that can cause cancer. In Germany, there is a company called TÜV that checks cars with smoky exhaust. I urge the DVLA to put stringent measures in place to reduce the smoke in the air.”
He also advised the public to take responsibility for maintaining their vehicle engines to prevent excessive smoke.
The study identified major sources of pollution to include vehicular emissions, open waste burning, use of firewood, pesticides from farming activities, and dust from road construction.
The data confirmed the dire state of air quality in the capital region.
Senior Urban Planner and Managing Partner of PSS Urbania Consult Ltd. Joseph Ayitio in an interview with Adom News, advised Municipal Assemblies to implement measures designed to reduce air pollution.
Public Health Director for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, AMA, Mrs. Florence Kuukyi said the Assembly has put measures in place to address the situation.
“We have gotten support to mount low-cost sensors in Accra to monitor the level of air pollution and intervene where necessary. We are also putting down measures to decongest traders selling close to the roadside. This causes traffic and increases emissions. We are working to reduce that.”
Experts say without urgent intervention, the health and economic burden of air pollution will continue to rise.
This report was produced in collaboration with New Narratives with funding from the Clean Air Fund.
