By Patience Gbeze
Accra, Sept. 2, GNA – The Presbyterian Relief Services (PRESED) has intensified its campaign against air pollution by engaging persons with disabilities in some of the most vulnerable communities in Accra and Kumasi.
The targeted communities in Accra include Ashaiman, Agbogbloshie, and Anloga and Sokoban in Kumasi.
The initiative seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities, who can face unique challenges in accessing environmental information and protecting themselves from pollution, are not left behind in efforts to address Ghana’s growing air pollution challenge.
The community engagements created a platform for participants to gain a better understanding of the sources, health and environmental impacts of air pollution, while sharing their experiences and concerns about pollution within their communities.
Participants were also encouraged to identify practical actions they can take individually and collectively to reduce exposure to polluted air and contribute to cleaner and healthier communities.
The engagements received technical support from Dr. Lawrencia Osae-Nyarko, a Research Scientist and technical person on the project.
She provided expert guidance on air pollution, its impacts, and practical approaches to reducing exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Mr. Gordon Dakuu, Portfolio Analyst at the Clean Air Fund, also participated in the engagements, providing valuable perspectives and supporting the broader objective of strengthening community-level action on clean air.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Emmanuel Nyarko Ankamah, National Coordinator of PRESED, stressed the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities were actively included in environmental discussions and interventions.
He noted that clean air was a fundamental concern for everyone, and that efforts to address air pollution must deliberately reach communities and groups that are often excluded from mainstream environmental programmes.
The engagements in Ashaiman, Agbogbloshie, Anloga and Sokoban form part of PRESED’s broader work to raise awareness, strengthen community participation, and promote inclusive action against air pollution.
Beyond creating awareness, PRESED is seeking to empower communities to become active participants in addressing air pollution. The organisation believes that meaningful change requires stronger collaboration among communities, civil society organisations, researchers, development partners, and relevant stakeholders.
The inclusion of persons with disabilities in the clean-air campaign represents an important step towards ensuring that environmental justice is inclusive and that no one is left behind.
PRESED, with the support from Clean Air Fund and technical collaboration of partners including the MMDAs, will continue to engage vulnerable communities and promote practical solutions to air pollution while amplifying the voices of those most affected.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
September 2026