By Alberta Asanewa Dwirah
A study conducted by the Water Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has raised concerns over poor air quality in Agbogbloshie, with residents identifying vehicular emissions and e-waste recycling as major sources of pollution.
The research, led by research scientist Dr Lawrencia Osae-Nyarko at the institute, forms part of a broader assessment conducted in Agbogbloshie and Ashaiman in Accra, as well as Sokoban and Anloga in the Ashanti Region.
However, findings presented at a stakeholder meeting in Accra focused on Agbogbloshie. Dr Osae-Nyarko said the study aimed to assess public understanding and experiences of air pollution.
“This was a basic needs assessment to understand what residents know about air pollution, the sources they identify, what they are doing to prevent it, and what they expect should be done,” she said.
She explained that most residents perceive air pollution as the release of harmful gases into the environment, with vehicular emissions and e-waste recycling identified as the main causes. Waste burning and industrial emissions were also cited as contributors.
“From the people’s perspective, the quality of air is very poor, and about 43% of participants attributed this to it,” she added.
The study identified children and the elderly as the most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. On waste management, Dr Osae-Nyarko noted that low income levels pose a challenge.
“With incomes ranging between 600 and 1,000 cedis, it may be difficult for them to pay high fees for waste management,” she said.
She added that the research team is proposing measures such as reducing, reusing and recycling waste to minimise disposal costs. Despite economic challenges, residents said they contribute to keeping their environment clean and participate in clean-up exercises.
The study also revealed a preference for television as a medium for public education. Dr Osae-Nyarko explained that visual communication enhances understanding.
“On TV, we can show pictures or videos of how air pollution affects human beings, both in the short and long term, and that stays with them,” she said.
She said the next phase of the project will involve the formation of community-based action groups to drive awareness, monitoring and advocacy.
The groups will include market women, teachers, schoolchildren and environmental health officers.
“These groups will lead awareness creation, document pollution levels, and drive advocacy activities within the community,” she added.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s involvement in the project, she noted, reflects a broader understanding of its mission, extending beyond spiritual guidance to include economic and environmental responsibility.
