The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has established a permanent air quality monitoring network in Tema, Ghana’s main port and industrial city, to provide real-time data for decision-making and improve air pollution management.
Already, the seven low-cost sensors forming the network have been installed across key locations in Tema and processes are ongoing to procure and deploy the reference-grade monitor by the end of 2025.
The installations have been done at Kpone, Bethlehem (Tulaku), Communities Three, Seven and 25, Tema Manhean and the Tema Port.
These sites were selected due to their exposure to multiple pollution sources, including industrial activities, vehicular emissions, open burning, and untarred roads.
The initiative is under the project dubbed: “Tema Air Quality Monitoring for Public Information and Decision-Making”, funded by the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago, Air Quality Fund.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Madam Selina Okaebea Amoah, the Head of Environmental Quality Unit at EPA, said the project sought to address gaps in air quality data in Tema as well as strengthening the Authority’s national monitoring network.
“Air pollution has become a major environmental issue with public health consequences contributing to health challenges including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” she said.
“The level of pollution and efficiency of interventions can only be determined by monitoring, making the project critical in establishing pollution levels in Tema.”
Madam Amoah said the monitoring equipment would provide a comprehensive understanding of air quality in the Tema Metropolis and the Tema West and Kpone-Katamanso municipalities.
“The data from the sensors will also help in assessing whether interventions, including implementation of the Greater Accra Region Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) are achieving their objectives as well as inform further actions that are needed,” she added.
The AQMP, developed by the EPA and other stakeholders, outlined interventions targeting key pollution sources such as industrial and vehicular emissions, open burning, and household air pollution.
The initiative is to address high pollution levels recorded above the Ghana Standard for Environment and Health Protection-Requirements for Ambient Air Quality and Point Source/Stack Emissions from some EPA existing monitoring sites in the Region.
Madam Amoah said the monitoring equipment installation in Tema aligned with the Authority’s goal of extending the air quality network to other urban centres beyond Accra.
“We have started with seven low-cost sensors under this project. The number is inadequate as compared to the ideal case of one monitor at every four kilometre radius. There is the need to add more sensors, considering the size of the industrial hub and adjoining communities,” she said.
The public could access air quality data through OpenAQ.org, Madam Amoah said, and that the Authority would engage local assemblies and community members to raise awareness about air pollution and the importance of clean air.
The initiative forms part of efforts to promote environmental accountability, safeguard public health, and create cleaner, safer cities.
A total of 28,000 premature deaths are recorded every year as a result of air pollution in Ghana, according to the World Health Organisation.
Air pollution is the second highest health risk factor for death and disability, after malnutrition. Young children and adults over 50 are most at risk of disease and premature death.
Poor air quality in Ghana is mainly caused by open waste burning, cooking using wood and charcoal, road transport, slash-and-burn methods of farming, energy generation, accidental fires and industry emissions.
GNA
