The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued a warning to commuters to exercise extreme caution on the roads as harmattan conditions intensify over the coming weeks.

The dry and dusty winds associated with the season are expected to drastically reduce visibility on highways nationwide, posing significant risks for road users.

Chief Forecaster Felicity Ahafianyo advised drivers to reduce their speed, use fog lights where available, and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during peak hours of dust accumulation.

She added that visibility in all 16 regions of Ghana is expected to drop to between one and five kilometres during the day.

Read also: Dusty dry air: EPA issues red alert; recommends nose mask-wearing, less outdoor activities

“From today into next week and the new year, we anticipate reduced visibility in the mornings, especially over forest regions and areas such as Nkawkaw to Kumasi, where conditions may drop to less than one kilometre. Motorists travelling in these areas at dawn should take extra care.

"Afternoons are predicted to be hot, with a dusty and foggy atmosphere further complicating travel conditions.

GMet reiterated the need for drivers to maintain low speeds and avoid overtaking in such hazardous conditions.

Also, Ghana News Agency reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has advised the public, especially children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with pre-existing heart and lung diseases to wear a nose mask to keep safe from the current dusty dry air (Particulate Matter 2.5).

The Agency has also cautioned susceptible persons to limit outdoor activities, noting that the pollution levels could trigger allergic reactions and worsen conditions, including asthma.

The main constituent of the dust is Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 – fine (smaller) particles, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory and cardiovascular system, impair the normal function of organs, and are hazardous to health.

PMs are seen and unseen tiny pieces of solids or liquids in the air. The particles include dust, dirt, soot, and smoke.