Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda Rank Among the Most Polluted Countries Globally

The 2024 World Air Quality Report highlights that Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda are among the most polluted countries globally, with Chad showing a PM2.5 concentration significantly above WHO standards. The health consequences are dire, as pollution leads to thousands of premature deaths annually. Urgent policy reforms and monitoring efforts are necessary to combat this escalating crisis in air quality across Africa.

The latest 2024 World Air Quality Report indicates alarming pollution levels in several African countries, particularly Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda, all of which rank among the most polluted globally. This report raises serious concerns regarding the ongoing air quality crisis that threatens millions of lives across the continent.

Chad is noted for the most severe pollution, recording a PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, which eclipses the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit by nearly eighteen times. Nigeria is positioned 11th with 40.1 µg/m³, while Rwanda and Ghana are ranked 9th and 14th respectively, with PM2.5 levels of 40.8 µg/m³ and 35.8 µg/m³. These PM2.5 particles are highly detrimental, as they penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, leading to significant health issues.

The University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) suggests that such pollution results in a reduction of life expectancy by approximately 2.7 years in heavily affected areas. In Ghana alone, the WHO estimated that 28,000 deaths occur annually due to air pollution, amounting to an alarming statistic of one death every 19 minutes. If urgent measures are not implemented, air pollution will relentlessly claim more lives.

Ghana’s air pollution levels now exceed the WHO’s limits by seven times, representing a troubling trend in air quality. The capital, Accra, is designated as the 16th most polluted capital with a PM2.5 level of 36.3 µg/m³, while Kumasi has recently emerged as the nation’s most polluted city with a level of 39.5 µg/m³. Ghana’s pollution rankings have risen dramatically from 27th in 2022 to 14th in 2024.

The report underscores that five of the ten most polluted countries globally are located in Africa, while only 24 of the 54 African nations presently report air quality data, highlighting the infrastructure shortcomings. Approximately 34% of African cities have PM2.5 levels significantly exceeding WHO guidelines, with some cities recording pollution rates up to seven times higher.

The public health impact of this pollution crisis cannot be overstated, as it poses a severe national health emergency in Ghana. In just two years, Ghana’s PM2.5 levels escalated from 30.2 µg/m³ to a record high of 35.8 µg/m³, indicating a dire need for immediate action to safeguard public health.

Factors contributing to Africa’s air pollution include rapid urbanization, increased industrial emissions, and inadequate waste management practices. Data monitoring has become predominantly reliant on non-governmental organizations, which highlights the necessity of enhanced governmental air quality initiatives.

Experts are urging the Ghanaian government to enact stricter environmental policies to mitigate pollution, including improved vehicle emission regulations, investments in renewable energy, expanded air quality monitoring, and stringent anti-burning legislation. The urgent call to action is vital, as inaction may lead to a more severe health crisis in the future.

In summary, the 2024 World Air Quality Report reveals that Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, and Rwanda rank among the most polluted nations globally, with Chad exhibiting alarming pollution levels far exceeding WHO standards. The health implications are severe, as air pollution significantly reduces life expectancy and causes thousands of deaths annually. Urgent governmental action is critical to address this escalating crisis and protect public health through enhanced regulations and monitoring initiatives. Without immediate intervention, future projections for air quality remain grim, necessitating a focused approach to mitigate the burgeoning pollution challenges in these regions.

Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com