Outdoor air pollution cost Ghana an estimated GHS 28 billion in economic losses in 2024. A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report detailed these significant financial costs. This amount represents approximately 2.3% of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The same ambient, or outdoor, air pollution contributed to 12,870 deaths within the same year. It also led to more than 316,000 disease cases. This highlights a growing health and economic burden on the nation.
This financial and medical impact is a critical part of Ghana’s broader economic and public health narrative. The country faces persistent challenges in environmental management and public health infrastructure. Such substantial losses affect national productivity and healthcare spending. Past environmental initiatives have often lacked comprehensive data-driven insights.
Ms. Belynda Amankwa, UNDP Programmes Specialist for HIV, Health and Development, presented the report’s findings. She stated, “What gets measured gets managed.” The investment case aimed to quantify the health and economic burden of ambient air pollution. This evidence will guide future policy decisions.
Stroke accounted for the largest share of air pollution-related deaths, at about 47%. Ischaemic heart disease followed at 21%, and acute lower respiratory infections at 17.4%. Acute lower respiratory infections also recorded the highest number of disease cases linked to outdoor air pollution.
The report recommends developing a unified national air quality policy. This policy aims to strengthen coordination across various sectors. It also calls for expanded air quality monitoring systems. Improved mechanisms for sharing air quality data are also crucial.
Strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration is another key recommendation. Mobilising innovative financing through climate funds, green bonds, and carbon markets is also suggested. Increased research, especially on vulnerable populations, is vital. These vulnerable groups include women, children, and pregnant women.
At the city level, the report urges metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies to promote cleaner transport systems. Improving waste management is also necessary. They must strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations on industries. Intensifying public education on the dangers of open burning and other pollution is equally important.
Ms. Shaima Hussein, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, noted that air pollution is a highly preventable environmental threat. Nearly 99% of the global population breathes air exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines. This report provides robust evidence for Ghana to take coherent, multi-sectoral action.
Mr. Desmond Appiah, Country Lead for the Clean Air Fund, expects the report to help policymakers. It communicates the true cost of air pollution in an understandable way. This will make it easier to prioritise action and investment.
The Ministry of Health’s Mr. Solomon Laryea confirmed the report will strengthen evidence-based policymaking. It will support the implementation of the country's Health National Adaptation Plan. The Ministry commits to working with UNDP and partners to implement these recommendations.
Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the government's response to these findings. Implementation of the recommended policies could significantly improve public health outcomes. It could also lead to long-term economic savings by reducing healthcare costs and improving productivity.