Ghana and Clean Air Fund collaborate to tackle air pollution

Ghana has entered into a collaboration with the Clean Air Fund (CAF), a philanthropic foundation addressing global air pollution, to work together in enhancing access to clean air.

Air pollution is identified as one of the top planetary crises, posing a significant threat to health in Ghana, causing over 28,000 deaths annually.

At COP 28 held in Dubai, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Jane Burston, the Founder and CEO of Clean Air Fund, jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement outlines plans for CAF to support Ghana in conducting a scoping study on existing air quality management laws, regulations, and implementation systems.

The study aims to assess current approaches to air quality policy development, implementation, and enforcement, proposing best practices aligned with Ghana's national and international commitments.

The scoping study will also emphasize the connections between Ghana's climate change mitigation and adaptation actions and their impact on air quality.

CAF expressed its commitment to providing support to Ghana in its efforts towards “clean air for all,” including hosting the World Health Organization Air Quality Conference in 2024.

Waste burning and transport are identified as key sources of emissions, and the partnership will explore alternative policies to address these issues.

The two-year renewable partnership aims to support programmatic initiatives that enhance the enforcement capabilities of regulatory bodies.

Ghana will actively engage in the scoping study, providing input on the project scope, reviewing progress, and offering advice on key areas for investigation.

Dr Peter Dery, the Director of Environment at MESTI, emphasized the importance of clean air for healthy human life and sustainable environments.

The collaboration reflects Ghana's commitment to working with partners to improve air quality and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The Environmental Protection Agency, under MESTI, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment, and the collaboration seeks to address gaps in policy implementation and enforcement.