Vehicle emissions pose growing threat to public health, experts warn

Experts have warned that rising vehicle emissions are posing an increasing threat to public health and the environment, calling for stronger enforcement of emission standards, improved transport policies and greater public awareness to address the problem.

Every day, cars, buses and trucks release harmful gases and fine particles into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution, climate change and a growing burden of disease.

At the 37 Military Bus Terminal in Accra, commuters and commercial drivers acknowledged the health risks associated with vehicle emissions but pointed to the high cost of vehicle maintenance as a major challenge.

A commuter, Ernest, said vehicle emissions could trigger illnesses, particularly among people living with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

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Some drivers also admitted that financial constraints often force them to continue operating vehicles with faulty components that produce excessive exhaust smoke.

One commercial driver, Isaac, explained that defective fuel pumps and other mechanical faults could increase vehicle emissions, but replacing such parts was often beyond the means of many drivers.

Associate Professor Reginald Quansah of the University of Ghana School of Public Health said prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions is linked to a range of serious health conditions, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, certain cancers and possible effects on brain health.

According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution contributed to an estimated 28,000 preventable deaths in Ghana annually as of 2017. The organisation also estimated that about 2,800 premature deaths in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area were linked to air pollution in 2015, with the figure projected to rise to 4,600 by 2030.

Professor Quansah advised the public to take practical measures to reduce their exposure, including avoiding heavily polluting vehicles where possible, opening vehicle windows to improve ventilation, wearing face masks in smoky environments and paying particular attention to protecting children, pregnant women, older persons and people with underlying health conditions.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) said vehicle roadworthiness inspections remain in place and disclosed that the Ministry of Transport is developing new policies and standards aimed at strengthening vehicle emission control and improving air quality.

Environmental advocate Paul Nwachukwu said effective enforcement of existing regulations would be essential in reducing harmful emissions. He also called for improvements in fuel quality and increased investment in infrastructure, particularly charging stations for electric vehicles, to encourage their adoption.

Mr Nwachukwu stressed that public education remains one of the most effective tools in tackling air pollution, noting that greater awareness would complement policy measures and support efforts to combat climate change.

As Ghana’s urban population and vehicle numbers continue to grow, experts say reducing vehicle emissions will require coordinated action by government, transport operators and the public through stronger regulation, regular vehicle maintenance and sustained investment in cleaner transport systems.