Accra:Esther Asante, a resident of Ashaley Botwe, faces health challenges due to smoke from cooking with charcoal in her home. As the eldest of four children, she is responsible for preparing meals, including the local dish banku, which requires prolonged exposure to smoke. Many households in urban Ghana share this experience, as a significant portion rely on firewood and charcoal, exposing them to health risks.
According to Ghana News Agency, environmental epidemiologist Professor Reginald Quansah highlights the dangers of pollutants from wood and charcoal, which can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The State of Global Air report links air pollution to over 32,500 premature deaths in Ghana in 2025, emphasizing the serious health risks of traditional cooking fuels.
Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu from the Ghana Health Service underscores the contribution of household air pollution to the rise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) deaths. He points out the lack of diagnostic and treatment facilities, particularly affecting the poorest communities that rely on solid fuels. Charles Amissah-Koomson, President of the Architectural Society of Ghana, advocates for improved home designs to extract smoke, while government policies on clean cooking are still pending implementation.
Ghana has explored alternatives like LPG and electric stoves to reduce pollution. However, factors such as cost and the broader air pollution environment limit their effectiveness. The government is considering ethanol stoves and carbon market initiatives to support cleaner cooking solutions. Professor Emilia Udofia calls for prioritizing respiratory care and improving ventilation standards to address current and future respiratory health challenges in Ghana.