Air pollution has become Ghana's second-leading risk factor for death, surpassed only by high blood pressure. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the State of Global Air report confirm these alarming statistics. Vehicle pollution contributes significantly to deteriorating air quality, especially in urban centres.
Nationally, air pollution causes between 28,000 and 32,000 deaths each year. This represents about 14% of all deaths in Ghana. The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area alone experiences approximately 2,800 annual deaths attributed to Particulate Matter Pollution (PM2.5).
This environmental crisis heavily impacts Ghana's economic and social fabric. It places a severe burden on the healthcare system and reduces productivity due to illness and premature deaths. The problem is particularly acute in congested urban areas.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates these figures. Health experts warn of strong links between vehicle-related air pollution and major Non-Communicable Diseases and respiratory illnesses. These include 39% of stroke-related deaths and 33% of lung cancer deaths.
Further concerning statistics show air pollution contributes to 66% of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) deaths. It also accounts for 33% of lower respiratory infection deaths and 33% of neonatal deaths. In 2023, about 5,900 children under the age of 20 died from air pollution-related causes.
Authorities attribute a significant portion of this problem to Ghana’s ageing vehicle fleet. As of 2022, the transport sector had an estimated 3.2 million vehicles. More than 95% of these vehicles are old and highly polluting. Diesel pollution, common in many imported vehicles, is particularly hazardous and increases lung cancer risk.
Ghana is a signatory to broader climate and environmental commitments. Following the 2015 Paris Agreement, the country intensified efforts to integrate climate action into national development. The 2013 National Climate Change Policy aims for a climate-resilient economy through low-carbon growth strategies. However, specific measures to implement these low-carbon policies for vehicles are not yet rolled out.
Currently, Ghana lacks a clear national policy to manage vehicle pollution. This is despite existing standards set by the EPA and the Ghana Standard Authority on approved particle emissions. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and EPA have not yet provided data or comments on how they plan to manage this leading health risk. This policy gap leaves both the working class and children vulnerable to serious health risks. Decision-makers must urgently address vehicle emissions to protect public health and economic stability.