<<Print>>IQAir’s AirVisual, a real-time air quality information platform, says Ghana’s air quality is currently 49.6 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.
This, the site, attributes to the high concentration of PM2.5 in Accra’s atmosphere.
PM2.5 refers to particles found in the air, including dust, soot, dirt, smoke and liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less.
These particles are so small they can get deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream and cause havoc to one’s organs.
It is believed the high concentration of PM2.5 in the air has been compounded by the resurgence of the Harmattan as a result of regional dust storms pushing into Southern Ghana.Due to the highly damaging effects of pollution exposure on vulnerable members of society, i.e. young children and the elderly, pregnant women, those with heightened sensitivity towards pollution, as well as those with pre-existing illnesses or compromised immune system, the population is advised to wear a mask outdoors, run an air purifier, close windows to avoid dirty outdoor air and avoid outdoor exercise.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has asked Ghanaians to revert to the wearing of face masks to avoid inhaling dust particles in the air.
The EPA further asked the most vulnerable group, including people with underlying conditions like asthmatic to reduce outdoor activities and remain indoors to avoid frequent attacks.
The Agency said its observation assessment of the air quality had indicated that air quality had reached “unhealthy levels” in the last few days – higher than the situation in the same period last year.
Dr Henry Kokofu, the Executive Director of the EPA, speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Monday, said the air quality was unhealthy and urged the public not to compound it by engaging in open burning.
According to him, the high particulate levels, which were above the World Health Organisation’s and national limit, could cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
Additionally, he revealed, the EPA’s Quality Index Station at the University of Ghana recorded dust particles ranging from moderate, unhealthy and very unhealthy air from February 16, 2023.
Dr Kokofu further explained that the Ghana Meteorological Agency had earlier observed dust movement on its satellite from the Sahel Region, including Niger and Chad heading to Ghana.
“The situation is not entirely a natural phenomenon. Our activities also contribute to it. Climate change has come to stay with us and those of us under the Sahara must be ready and prepared to endure more hardships,” he added.