Vice-Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Kofi Amegah, has called for a focused and intentional strategy to address the underlying causes of air pollution, with the ultimate goal of providing clean air for everyone.

During an appearance on JoyNews' National Dialogue on Clean Air and Election 2024, aired on Tuesday, November 26, Professor Amegah spoke about the varying levels of vulnerability to air pollution across different segments of society.

He emphasized that to tackle clean air issues effectively, it is essential to approach the problem with intentionality and clear goals.

“In our society, some individuals are more vulnerable than others. Therefore, when it comes to the issue of clean air, we must be intentional and strategic in how we address its underlying causes.” The achievement of this conversation is for the parties in Ghana to hear the citizens. The deliberate intervention that must be undertaken.

Prof Amegah further explained that "We have looked at all the manifestos from 1992 to this point, of our key sources of air pollution- our transportation, waste, energy for cooking, farming, industrialisation, we have heard all the parties talk about their intervention to tackle the challenges of our time but we have to be deliberate, we have to be conscious that we do not try to solve one challenge by creating another."

The professor also noted that key sources of air pollution, such as transportation, waste management, cooking energy, farming, and industrialization, have been acknowledged in political manifestos since 1992. However, he cautioned that while addressing these issues, care must be taken to avoid creating new challenges in the process.

Despite political talks about air quality, Professor Amegah observed that there is still little demand for clean air among the public. While he acknowledged the aspiration for cleaner air, he stressed that this must be backed by tangible actions.

Concerning the country’s industrialization efforts, the professor highlighted the importance of ensuring that industrial growth does not result in higher pollution levels, as seen in other regions globally. He raised the issue of whether adequate resources are being directed toward mitigating the peripheral challenges that arise from such growth.

In conclusion, Professor Amegah urged the need for a well-coordinated and strategic approach that not only tackles the immediate concerns but also leads to lasting improvements in air quality and public well-being.

“Are we being conscious to be able to address the peripheral issues that come with all the prepositions that we are making and if we are concerned about the pollution what is our resources allocation towards tackling this particular challenges that we are facing?”he asked.