Accra, July 10, 2023 – The capital city of Ghana, Accra, has witnessed a significant reduction in its green spaces, including tree cover, grass, and parks, over the past two decades. This concerning trend, highlighted in a recent study titled “Socio-demographic and neighbourhood factors influencing urban green space use and development at home,” carries serious health implications for residents.
The study reveals that the shrinking green spaces in Accra can be attributed to the clearance of land for real estate development, driven by the rapid influx of migrants from other regions and neighboring countries. Additionally, portions of green spaces have been repurposed for road construction and other social infrastructure projects.
Led by Professor Kofi Amegah, the study emphasizes the importance of green spaces in improving air quality and contributing to the management of advanced cardiovascular and mental health conditions. Green spaces act as “lungs” by purifying the air, absorbing carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen in significant quantities.
The depletion of green spaces in Accra has also been linked to increased instances of flooding in the city. Urgent and concerted efforts are required to address this challenge effectively.
Mr. Desmond Appiah, the Country Lead of the Clean Air Fund and an investigator involved in the study, highlights that as cities expand, the likelihood of air pollution increases. Accra, being one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, faces a high risk of air pollution. In fact, the annual average pollution level in Ghana exceeded the WHO’s recommended levels by 11 times in 2019.
Appiah points out the need for strict enforcement of environmental and public health policies to tackle these issues effectively. Existing laws stipulate the requirement of permeable surfaces in all built environments to facilitate rainwater absorption, prevent flooding, and recharge underground water.
He also highlights how certain areas in Accra, such as North Kanashie, Chorkor, and Dansoman, were well-planned with ample green spaces, including trees and hedges. However, many of these green areas have been diminished or replaced by buildings, leading to a loss of environmental and well-being benefits.
According to Dr. Efua Commeh, the Acting Programme Manager for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Ghana Health Service, the reduced green spaces expose people to dust particles from burning waste materials and vehicle exhaust fumes. Inhaling these pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, heart diseases, cancer, and damage to various organs.
Dr. Commeh highlights the increasing rates of respiratory diseases and their impact on both individuals and the economy. The rise in hospital admissions and loss of productive hours due to illness hinder economic productivity. The annual nationwide cost of pollution in Ghana is estimated at $2.5 billion, which accounts for approximately 4.2 percent of GDP, according to the World Bank.
The World Health Organization reports that air pollution caused over 28,000 deaths from Non-Communicable Diseases in Ghana in 2019, with Accra alone accounting for more than 18,000 of these deaths.
Addressing the shrinking green spaces in Accra requires a reevaluation of the city’s development paradigm. Placing health and environmental considerations at the forefront of urban planning is crucial to prevent further harm to residents’ well-being and socio-economic growth.
Immediate action is needed to preserve and enhance green spaces, enforce existing laws and policies, and promote sustainable development practices. By prioritizing the restoration and expansion of green spaces, Accra can mitigate the adverse health effects of pollution, improve air quality, and create a more livable environment for its residents.
