PPS Urbania Consult Limited, with funding from Clean Air Ghana, is assisting Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region to develop comprehensive air quality action plans. This initiative aims to enhance local capacity for planning and implementing measures for cleaner air, aligning with the Greater Accra Air Quality Management Plan launched in 2018.
The project includes air quality assessments, goal setting, identification of control measures, impact modeling, and the creation of tailored action plans for each Assembly. Dr. Joseph Ayitio, Team Leader, emphasized the urgent need for improved air quality in Accra, noting that the initiative began two months ago with consultations involving local authorities and community representatives. It is set to cover 15 Assemblies, which will integrate their action plans into medium-term development strategies.
Dr. Ayitio highlighted that air quality-related deaths are among the highest in Ghana and proposed initiatives such as increasing tree cover and promoting regular vehicle maintenance to help mitigate pollution. He urged Ghanaians to prioritize their health and engage in activities that reduce environmental pollution.
Environmentalist Mr. Kwabena Badu-Yeboah noted that Ghana loses 1.6 million cedis annually due to air pollution-related issues, stressing the need for urgent action. The new plans will establish baseline emission data to inform evidence-based policies aimed at reducing pollution in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area.
Madam Florence Kuukyi, Director of the Metro Public Health Department, underscored the importance of maintaining balanced gas proportions in the atmosphere to prevent air pollution. She stated that the initiative complements ongoing efforts by the Assembly, including public education and enforcement.
The workshop concluded with the formation of an 11-member local air quality team tasked with leading the development of assessments and action plans within their Assemblies.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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