The Vision
The Project seeks to accelerate air quality improvements in metropolitan areas of Ghana through local action and citizen participation to protect public health and serve as a model for air quality action in other African countries
The Project
The GhanaAQ Project is a community-driven initiative aimed at improving air quality in the metropolitan areas of Ghana. The project seeks to address the worsening air pollution problem in metropolitan areas of Ghana and its impact on public health, and also identify the vulnerable populations for targeted intervention.
The project's overall goal is to bridge the air quality data gaps in metropolitan areas of Ghana to influence air quality action plans and protect public health. The objectives of the project are to: (1) develop a dense network of low-cost air quality sensors interspersed with reference monitors in urban areas of Ghana to provide real-time high spatiotemporal air quality data to influence air quality action plans, (2) raise public awareness about the dangers of air pollution to enable the citizenry to act accordingly to protect their health, (3) advocate for behavioral changes and actions within communities and among residents for improved air quality, (4) foster local capacity for monitoring and managing air quality, (5) build capacity for surveillance of air pollution-related diseases, (6) conduct health impact assessment of air quality action plans, and (7) conduct research on the health effects of air pollution exposure among vulnerable groups to provide local evidence for risk communication and influencing clinical practice.
The GhanaAQ Project will continuously share best practices and lessons learnt for replication of the project by other African cities.
Other Focal Areas
- Tropospheric Ozone Assessment: Focuses on evaluating ozone levels in the lower atmosphere to determine its sources, formation patterns, and impact on urban air quality in Ghana. We further investigate how ozone pollution fluctuates due to seasonal changes and local activities to help provide insight into mitigation strategies.
- Methane and Black Carbon Emission Inventory: Focuses on developing and maintaining an inventory of methane and black carbon emissions from agriculture, transportation, industrial, and household sources as well as monitoring emission trends, identifying key polluters, and supporting local government initiatives to reduce emissions.
- Geospatial PM2.5 Data Extraction: Focuses on leveraging GIS tools and satellite data to map PM2.5 pollution across urban Ghana to help identifying air pollution hotspots and establish the drivers
- Neighborhood Greenness Mapping: Focuses on mapping urban green spaces in Ghana and evaluating the impact of green spaces on air quality and urban heat
- Air Pollution Exposure Modeling: Focuses on the use of statistical and computational methods to estimate population exposure to air pollution based on pollutant concentration, demographic factors, and land use patterns.
- Burden of Disease Estimation: Focuses on assessing the public health impacts of air pollution in Ghana by estimating mortality and morbidity attributable to pollution exposure to generate local evidence.
Sensor Donation Programme
To help us expand our air quality monitoring network for the protection of public health, we kindly ask individuals, corporate bodies and philanthropic organizations to consider donating a sensor to the project to monitor air quality in a school or community of their choice. Please reach out to us by email or WhatApp for more information on how you can donate a sensor to support this noble cause.
Our Strategy
Real-time air quality monitoring
The project provides hyperlocal air quality data in real-time to individuals and communities in Ghana.
Community-driven approach
The project empowers communities to monitor air quality and take action to mitigate air pollution.
Stakeholder collaboration
The project collaborates with a range of stakeholders, including corporate organizations, municipal assemblies, and health authorities to improve air quality in Ghana.
Capacity building
The project builds local capacity for air quality management and mount surveillance for air pollution related diseases.
Data-driven solutions
The project uses data analytics and machine learning techniques to glean insights into the data generated and develop data-driven solutions.
Public health impact
The project will have an impact on public health, by reducing exposure to air pollution and preventing air pollution-related diseases.
For Individuals
Living in a city like Accra, where air pollution is a major issue, can have a significant impact on one's respiratory health. Exposure to high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
GhanaAQ is aimed at providing up-to-date air quality information and resources to aid in informed decisions about your daily activities. Through GhanaAQ, individuals can stay informed about the air quality in their area and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
Our platform offers real-time air quality data and resources for personalized health recommendations based on their location. With our easy-to-use interface, individuals can quickly check the air quality in their area and gain in-depth insights on practical ways on how to reduce their exposure to air pollution. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, GhanaAQ is here to help you breathe easier.
For Communities
Communities in urban Ghana face unique challenges when it comes to air pollution. With rapid urbanization and industrialization, the quality of air has deteriorated, leading to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and other health complications. Breathe Ghana seeks to provide solutions to these challenges by equipping communities with the necessary tools and information to monitor and improve air quality.
Through GhanaAQ's air quality monitoring network, communities can access real-time information on air pollution levels in their neighborhoods. This information can be used to make informed decisions about when to engage in outdoor activities, how to adjust daily routines to reduce exposure to pollutants, and even advocate for policy changes to improve air quality. GhanaAQ also provides resources and education on the health effects of air pollution and ways to mitigate exposure.
In addition, GhanaAQ offers opportunities for community engagement and action. By partnering with local organizations and leaders, GhanaAQ supports community-driven initiatives to address air pollution. These initiatives can range from community clean-up efforts to advocating for policy changes that promote clean energy and sustainable development. With the support of GhanaAQ, communities can take ownership of their air quality and work together to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for all.
For Corporate Organizations
Corporate organizations can greatly benefit from GhanaAQ in a number of ways. By supporting the initiative, corporations can help to improve the health and well-being of their employees who reside in metropolitan areas. This is particularly important given that air pollution has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, stroke, and even cancer. By promoting cleaner air through the GhanaAQ project, corporations can contribute to a healthier and more productive workforce.
Moreover, by partnering with GhanaAQ, corporations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This can enhance their brand reputation and help to attract socially conscious consumers and employees. By promoting sustainable practices and supporting efforts to improve air quality in Ghana, corporations can position themselves as leaders in the fight against environmental degradation.
Finally, the GhanaAQ project provides an opportunity for corporations to engage with the local community and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and livable city. By supporting community-led initiatives to address air pollution, corporations can build relationships with stakeholders and demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where they operate. Through these efforts, corporations can help to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
For Municipal Assemblies
GhanaAQ is an essential tool for municipal assemblies in their efforts to improve air quality within their jurisdictions. The platform provides real-time air quality data that can be used to inform decision-making around urban planning, transportation, and other development initiatives. By using the data provided by GhanaAQ, municipal assemblies can identify sources of pollution, track changes in air quality over time, and develop effective strategies for reducing air pollution.
One of the key benefits of GhanaAQ for municipal assemblies is the ability to collaborate with other stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. By working together, these groups can share information and resources, and develop coordinated efforts to reduce air pollution. Municipal assemblies can also use GhanaAQ to engage with local communities and raise awareness about the importance of air quality, and the role that everyone can play in reducing pollution.
Ultimately, by using GhanaAQ to improve air quality, municipal assemblies can improve the health and well-being of their constituents, and create more livable, sustainable communities. By monitoring air quality in real-time, and using data to inform decision-making, municipal assemblies can take proactive steps to reduce pollution and promote cleaner, healthier environments for their residents.
For Municipal Health Authorities
GhanaAQ provides a wealth of valuable data for municipal health authorities in urban Ghana. The air quality data and analysis available through the website can be used by health officials to track pollution levels and identify areas of concern. This data can inform decisions about public health interventions and resource allocation to address environmental health risks.
Municipal health authorities can also use GhanaAQ to raise public awareness about air quality and its impact on health. The website provides the means and makes it easier for health officials to share information about the health effects of air pollution and promote behaviors that can help reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
Finally, GhanaAQ can serve as a valuable tool for monitoring the effectiveness of public health interventions. By tracking air quality data over time, health authorities can assess the impact of interventions such as traffic management schemes or clean energy initiatives on air pollution levels and public health outcomes.
For Education Authorities
Municipal Education Authorities can also benefit from the GhanaAQ project in several ways. Firstly, they can use the platform to raise awareness about air pollution and its effects on health among students, teachers, and parents. By providing access to real-time air quality data, as well as resources for reducing exposure to pollutants, municipal education authorities can promote healthy behaviors and help to protect the respiratory health of their students and staff.
In addition, by promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship through initiatives such as GhanaAQ, education authorities can prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. By teaching students about the importance of clean air and sustainable development, they can help to create a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are committed to protecting the planet and promoting public health.
Finally, education authorities can partner with GhanaAQ and other stakeholders to promote community-led initiatives to address air pollution. By engaging students, teachers, and parents in these efforts, they can provide valuable learning experiences and opportunities for civic engagement that can help to build stronger, more resilient communities.
