The capital of Ghana, Accra grapples with severe air quality concerns, prompting health officials to caution the public, particularly individuals with respiratory issues, to stay indoors.The Ghana Health Service (GHS) emphasizes the need for immediate action as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights escalating health risks linked to air pollution.

Certain areas of Accra, like Cantonments, recorded a real-time air quality index of 263 on Tuesday, categorising it as very unhealthy.The director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asare Bekoe, urged citizens to follow guidelines being developed collaboratively by stakeholders to address the hazardous conditions.

Dr. Bekoe, speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show, stressed the importance of education, enforcement, and behavioral changes in response to the deteriorating air quality.“From the public health point of view, I think that we drafted a guideline, but it is somehow dependent on the measurement of air quality from EPA and Meteorological Agency. Clearly based on the value that is recorded, you are supposed to exhibit certain behaviours.“Is about education, enforcement and behaviour check, so if you are someone with a respiratory condition like asthma, you are more vulnerable, in that case, you need to be careful about how you expose yourself to these pollutants in the environment,” Dr. Bekoe stated.

He specifically addressed those with respiratory conditions, advising them to be cautious and limit exposure to pollutants in the environment.“Based on their graduations, when you are around orange, then you are supposed to be more indoors than outdoors … hopefully in the next few days, we are going to communicate to Ghanaians that you also anticipate your risk and determine the kind of activities you go into.

“Is about education, enforcement and behaviour check, so if you are someone with a respiratory condition like asthma, you are more vulnerable, in that case, you need to be careful about how you expose yourself to these pollutants in the environment.”Accra's residents are urged to stay informed about the air quality levels, with the GHS planning to communicate guidelines to help individuals anticipate risks and adjust their activities accordingly in the coming days.The collective efforts of health authorities and the Environmental Protection Authority aim to raise awareness and ensure the well-being of the population amidst this pressing environmental challenge.