Ghana's capital Accra has claimed the unenviable title of having the world's worst air quality, outpacing cities notorious for pollution like Delhi and Beijing.

Data gathered by IQAir on February 5, 2024, at 11:20 AM, indicates a staggering Air Quality Index (AQI) of 238, catapulting Accra to the top spot.

Accra's AQI of 238 falls into the "Very Unhealthy" range, signifying severe health impacts for the general population.

The IQAir rankings further highlight the severity of the issue, with Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina, trailing behind at 187, and Delhi, India, at 170.

The situation is alarming, and Accra has surpassed major global cities known for their pollution challenges.

Air pollution, characterized by the alteration of the natural atmosphere due to chemical, physical, or biological agents, has become a critical concern in Accra.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines emphasize that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 (tiny air particles) should not exceed 5 ug/m3. Yet, Accra's current situation far surpasses these limits.

PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air, primarily emitted from vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and burning fossil fuels.

In relatable terms, it's like breathing in microscopic dust particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Ghana's current harmattan season contributes to the spike in readings.

However, even in regular conditions, some areas consistently register unhealthy levels, emphasising the persistent need for air quality management and pollution control measures in Accra.

The harmattan season exacerbates existing concerns, posing additional health risks to the population
Additional IQAir data unveils some distressing hotspots within Accra.

The Department of Physics at the University of Ghana records an AQI of 237, while the vicinity around the US Embassy spikes to an alarming 253.

Kwashieman Junction registers an astonishingly hazardous AQI of 301.

Breathe Accra Sensors strategically placed around the city continue to report worrisome readings. Madina Zongo Junction, as of 11 AM, records an AQI of 190 (Unhealthy), and air quality around Agbogbloshie stands at 185 (Unhealthy).

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives. Funding was provided by the Clean Air Fund. The funder had no say in the content of the story.