Accra: Afri-SET West, an air quality sensor evaluation and training facility, is poised to launch Ghana's first Air Quality Sensors Loan Library in July, aiming to expand public access to air quality monitoring tools. The initiative will allow individuals, community groups, and organizations to borrow air quality sensors, install them in their localities, and assess air quality to support informed decision-making.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Allison Felix Hughes, Facility Manager of Afri-SET West, stated that preparations are underway to operationalize the facility, which has received over 100 standardized air quality sensors for its initial phase. "We are working round the clock to finish up logistics to formally open and operationalize it," he mentioned. The library will serve countries across West Africa and help address the region's limited air quality monitoring capacity.
Dr. Hughes emphasized that data generated through the initiative would support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen environmental governance. He highlighted that air pollution is linked to serious health conditions including lung cancer, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, acute lower respiratory infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. "While breathing is essential for survival, exposure to poor air quality can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Inhaling unseen particles can pose significant and sometimes fatal health risks," he cautioned.
Mr. Desmond Appiah, Ghana Lead for the Clean Air Fund (CAF), described the initiative as a timely intervention that would make environmental data more accessible to citizens. "This is a great tool that will give citizens and groups an idea of the quality of air around them. The sensors have been calibrated, so they will give you real-time readings on whether you are breathing poor or healthy air," he explained.
Mr. Appiah added that the library would benefit people engaged in outdoor activities, such as hiking, jogging, and cycling, by enabling them to make informed decisions based on real-time air quality information. He noted that the initiative would support local authorities in identifying pollution hotspots, investigating their causes, and implementing targeted interventions. "Making monitoring tools more accessible means supporting local data collection, raising public awareness, and assisting decision-makers in taking informed actions to enhance air quality," he said.
He further remarked that the loan model was suitable for Ghana, where financial, technical, and infrastructure constraints have limited widespread air quality monitoring. The Clean Air Fund estimates that Accra could save about US$216 million through clean air interventions implemented between 2023 and 2040, representing approximately 20 percent of the Government's total health budget in 2022.