Is the air quality good in Accra?
As of September 9, 2025 3:15 AM PT, air quality in Accra, Ghana, was moderate, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 83.
This level indicates acceptable conditions for most individuals, though some pollutants may pose concerns for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
While the air quality conditions on September 9 are poor, it is worth noting that Accra’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration was 36.3 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 102, 7.2 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Accra, Ghana.
Accra, Ghana ranked as the 9th most polluted major city on Sept 9, 2025 3:15 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
Accra experiences fairly bad pollution issues overall, with historical yearly averages placing it in the unhealthy category. Current levels are influenced by urban activities and the transition from the dry season, where air quality can be unhealthy for sensitive groups during peak dust events.
When will air quality improve in Accra?
Air quality in Accra is expected to improve gradually through the implementation of recent regulations and ongoing initiatives. With the passage of air quality management regulations in early September 2025, enhanced monitoring and enforcement could lead to noticeable reductions in pollutants by late 2025 and into 2026.
Seasonal improvements are anticipated during the wet season from April to October, as rains help reduce dust and disperse emissions.
Long-term projections suggest that meeting WHO guidelines through policy scenarios, such as shifting to cleaner household fuels and improving public transport, could prevent thousands of premature deaths annually by 2030.
Continued efforts under the Greater Accra Air Quality Management Plan and urban health initiatives will drive sustained progress.
Hourly air quality forecast for Accra, Ghana on Sept 9, 2025 3:15 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Accra, Ghana on Sept 9, 2025 3:15 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Accra?
Several anthropogenic and natural factors contribute to poor air quality in Accra, Ghana (1). The city's rapid urbanization and population growth exacerbate emissions from various sources.
- Road transport: Accounting for nearly 39% of PM2.5, emissions from older vehicles like tro-tros and resuspended dust from unpaved roads are major contributors.
- Household energy use: Over 60% of households rely on polluting fuels such as charcoal and wood for cooking, generating household air pollution that spills into ambient air (2).
- Industrial activities: Emissions from manufacturing, power plants using biomass, and e-waste burning in areas like Agbogbloshie release toxic pollutants including black carbon and heavy metals.
- Waste burning and management: Open burning of solid waste, including plastics and e-waste, contributes about 5-10% to pollution, with Accra generating nearly 900,000 metric tons annually.
- Seasonal dust: Harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert during the dry season (November to March) elevate PM levels significantly, though September marks a relative respite (3).
These sources result in elevated PM2.5, CO, and ozone levels, posing health risks including respiratory diseases and premature deaths estimated at around 3,000 annually in Accra.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
