The Ghanaian capital, Accra, currently holds the dubious honor of having the world’s worst air quality, according to the latest rankings from IQAir as at 4th February 2024.
With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371, falling into the “hazardous” category, Accra residents are breathing air significantly more polluted than other major cities around the globe.
The index puts the air quality in Accra as almost twice as polluted than the next city on the ranking – Delhi, India – with an AQI of 196. According to the index, the main pollutant in Accra’s air is PM2.5 with a concentration that is currently 63.1 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.
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While the ranking shows some improvement globally compared to previous years, 92% of the world’s population still inhales unhealthy air. This highlights the ongoing struggle for clean air, particularly in developing regions like South Asia, where Bangladesh remains the most polluted country with an average PM2.5 concentration exceeding the WHO guideline by over five times.
Despite the grim news, the forecast for Accra shows a slight glimmer of hope.
The quality is expected to improve over the next few days returning to the “moderate” category with an AQI of 73 by Saturday, 10th February 2024.
What are the major sources of air pollution in Accra?
It is estimated that 39% of Accra’s PM2.5 concentrations come from road transport, which is a result of inadequate public transport infrastructure. Approximately 70 percent of daily commuters in Ghana use privately owned minibuses known as trotros, which are often older, higher emitting vehicles. The rest of Accra’s traffic congestion is due to private vehicles.
Resuspended dust produces higher PM2.5 concentrations due to Accra’s unpaved and dusty roads.
Also, as part of Accra’s air pollution problem, industries and manufacturing contribute heavily to the problem (11%), alongside automobile spraying and carpentry. Household heating contributes 10%, waste generation contributes 5%, and seasonal harmattan dust contributes 5%.
How to best protect yourself from air pollution in Accra?
For residents of Accra and other cities facing poor air quality, taking precautions is crucial. Here are some steps from the WHO guideline you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Limit outdoor activity: Stay indoors as much as possible, especially during peak pollution hours.
- Mask up: Wearing an N95 or KN95 mask provides effective protection against harmful fine particles.
- Seal the leaks: Plug gaps around windows and doors to minimize polluted air infiltration.
- Clean the air: Invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove pollutants from indoor spaces.
- Go green indoors: Improve indoor air quality by increasing ventilation, avoiding smoking indoors, and using air-cleaning plants.
source: 3news