Accra, June 7, GNA – The public have been urged to refrain from burning waste indiscriminately in their communities, especially in the capital, Accra, to help reduce air pollution and protect the environment.
The call aligns with a Clean Air Awareness Campaign, led by Infinity970 and Breathe Cities, both a non- governmental organisations.
The initiative, launched recently in Accra, aims, among other things, to encourage environmentally friendly practices, which would enhance air quality.
Mr Desmond Appiah, the Country Manager of the Clean Air Fund, interacting with commercial drivers at Odawna at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, noted that burning refuse could pose health risks.
Calling for enforcement of by-laws that prohibit the burning of waste, he encouraged residents to separate plastic waste from other household refuse to speed up recycling efforts of waste management companies.
“Unclean air is bad for our health…yet 99 per cent of us breathe air that is harmful and dirty, making air pollution one of the biggest health threats to our lives and livelihoods,” Mr Appiah said.
“…Air pollution conditions exist across the spectrum in our communities. The only difference is, some suffer more from dust while others suffer more from burning fumes and waste.”
“We all have a role to play, hence this campaign. We need to be aware and help increase awareness on the general sources of air pollution and the damage we cause ourselves every day.”
Reverend Emmanuel Lamptey, Head of Media at Infinity970, expressed concern over emission from vehicles, dust from unpaved roads, and other human activities, which contributed to air pollution.
He encouraged the public to report infractions to the organisation’s dedicated hotline; 0579724072 and appealed to commercial drivers and other stakeholders to help combat air pollution.
Reported cases, he said, would be forwarded to the relevant authorities for action.
Alhaji Issah Mohammed, Vice Chairman of GPRTU at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle-Odawna Branch, praised the initiative and pledged the union’s support.
He charged individuals and other well-meaning organisations to rally behind the campaign to help reduce the adverse impact of air pollution.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe