By Abbas Nazil
Ghana’s Director of Infinity 970, Emmanuel Lamptey, has called on the country’s residents to take collective action to combat air pollution, describing it as one of the most critical environmental and public health threats facing the West African nation.
Speaking during an educational outreach at the Nima Cluster of Schools in Accra, Mr. Lamptey said the initiative formed part of the “General Sources Campaign,” launched by Infinity 970, in partnership with Breathe Cities, to raise awareness on air quality and sustainable living.
He noted that the campaign aims not only to educate but also to inspire behavior change, especially among young people, who play a pivotal role in ensuring a cleaner and healthier Ghana.
Empowering the youth with accurate environmental knowledge, he said, will help build a generation that prioritizes sustainability.
Citing World Health Organisation data, Lamptey revealed that about 28,000 Ghanaians die annually from air pollution-related causes, including respiratory diseases, heart complications, and premature deaths. He warned that the figure could rise if urgent measures are not taken.
To mitigate pollution, he advised schools to sprinkle water on dusty compounds before sweeping and encouraged both households and institutions to plant trees and reduce waste burning.
Environmental Health Officer for Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly, Abass Ibrahim, echoed the call for collective responsibility, urging residents to register with licensed waste collectors and desist from burning refuse.
He emphasized that while environmental officers enforce sanitation bylaws, communities must also uphold personal responsibility to sustain cleanliness.
Students who participated in the event expressed gratitude for the awareness program, pledging to practice and share the lessons learned with their peers and families.
The session renewed its call for collaboration among government agencies, schools, and citizens to promote clean air and safeguard Ghana’s environment for future generations.