Ghana loses over 12,000 lives, US$1.9bn annually to air pollution — EPA

Air pollution causes an estimated 12,870 deaths annually in Ghana and costs the country about US$1.9 billion, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has disclosed.

The economic cost is equivalent to about 2.3% of Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Investment Case for Improved Ambient Air Quality and Health in Ghana Report 2025 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The EPA said major sources of air pollution in the country include vehicle emissions, industrial and commercial activities, the use of firewood and charcoal for cooking and the open burning of waste.

“Air pollution remains a major threat to human health and the environment,” the EPA said in a statement issued on Monday, September 7, to mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2026.

This year's commemoration is being held under the theme, “Clean Air, Healthy Choices: Acting Together for People and Planet”.

The Authority said air pollution is also a major global health threat, citing the State of Global Air Report 2025, which identified it as the second-leading risk factor for premature death worldwide.

The report estimates that air pollution contributed to approximately 7.9 million deaths globally in 2023.

The EPA said it is implementing several measures to improve air quality in Ghana.

These include monitoring air quality at designated locations and enforcing the Environmental Protection (Air Quality Management) Regulations, 2025 (LI 2507) to control emissions.

The Authority is also collaborating with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to introduce vehicle emissions testing as part of the roadworthiness certification process.