The Deputy Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Vibeke Sandholm Pedersen, has highlighted the critical role waste mismanagement plays in Ghana’s worsening air pollution, emphasizing the dangers of open waste burning, particularly plastics, in the country's major cities. Speaking at the JoyNews National Dialogue on Clean Air and Election 2024 in Accra on November 26, she described the practice as not only illegal but also hazardous to public health and the environment.
“In some of Ghana’s largest cities, open burning of waste is a major source of air pollution. This practice, often involving plastics, severely impacts public health, contributes to climate change, and exacerbates air pollution,” she stated.
Pedersen shared her personal experiences, noting how this harmful practice occurs even in suburban areas of Accra, underscoring the need for stronger interventions to halt its prevalence. She acknowledged the challenge in curbing these behaviors but stressed the importance of urgent action.
Drawing from Denmark’s approach to combating air pollution, the Deputy Ambassador proposed a focus on public awareness and community-driven initiatives as a way forward. She pointed to Denmark's success in leveraging collective community efforts, such as waste sorting, adopting clean technologies, and developing green spaces.
“Ghana’s vibrant communities have immense potential to drive similar change, but the first step is raising awareness. Public education is crucial in addressing this menace and making the environment healthier for citizens,” Pedersen suggested.
She also urged Ghanaians to view the transition to clean air as an opportunity rather than a challenge. By investing in green innovation and environmentally conscious industries, the country could create jobs and build more resilient communities.
“Clean air should not be seen as a burden. It is an opportunity for Ghana to lead in green innovation, create jobs, and build healthier, more sustainable communities,” she emphasized.
The JoyNews National Dialogue on Clean Air brought together stakeholders, including policymakers, environmental experts, and political representatives, to deliberate on solutions to Ghana’s air pollution crisis. The discussions centered on actionable steps to address climate change and its adverse effects on the country.
This initiative aligns with global calls for heightened climate action, especially in Africa, where the effects of environmental degradation and pollution are increasingly felt. As Ghana faces rapid urbanization, finding sustainable waste management solutions and reducing air pollution remain critical to its development agenda.
This article is based on reporting by MyJoyOnline.com.
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