University of Cape Coast Project Unveils Ghana‘s Air Pollution Hotspots, Empowering Communities to Take Action
Cape Coast, Ghana – A groundbreaking initiative led by the University of Cape Coast is providing unprecedented insight into air quality across Ghana, pinpointing pollution hotspots and equipping local communities with the data needed to advocate for change. The project, spearheaded by Dr.Christiana Odumah, utilizes a network of air quality monitors strategically placed in areas experiencing significant pollution sources, revealing a clearer picture of exposure risks for residents.
The monitoring network currently focuses on key locations within the Central Region, including mechanic workshops in Cape Coast known for open-air spray painting, welding, and grinding; bustling transport hubs like Kotokoraba near the police station; and neighborhood milling centers utilizing locally built grain and cassava mills. These sites were chosen not only as data collection points but also as focal points for community engagement.
“when the air is polluted, before you can even say where it came from, it has already traveled to other people,” explains Dr. Odumah, highlighting the pervasive nature of air pollution and the need for localized monitoring.
The project leverages the AirVisual Platform to analyze pollution trends, including levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter), temperature, pressure, and humidity. This analysis informs recommendations for low-cost interventions, such as establishing personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and implementing road wetting near mining operations.
Beyond data collection, the initiative serves as an educational tool. Dr. odumah’s team conducts lectures and workshops to explain the science behind air pollution, the health impacts of PM2.5,and the benefits of simple preventative measures like mask use and improved ventilation. Students are actively involved in station maintenance and data interpretation, fostering local expertise for long-term monitoring efforts.
The team is preparing to publish three research papers based on the collected data by year-end. Future plans include expanding the monitoring network, developing actionable playbooks for various sectors (millers, mechanics, schools, and local authorities), and piloting secondary-pollutant sensors. A permanent monitoring station will remain in Tarkwa to provide ongoing data for the community.
“They need constant monitoring, even if it means I can’t redeploy that unit for research,” Dr. Odumah stated, emphasizing the commitment to sustained community support.
The project’s core principle - measure, share, and act – aims to translate data into tangible improvements in public health. By making the invisible visible, the University of Cape Coast is empowering Ghanaian communities to understand their exposure risks and advocate for cleaner air. As Dr. Odumah concludes, “If people realize their health is at risk, they’ll find ways to cut emissions. That’s why we need this monitoring-so the community can act.”
