The Bad Air Traders Cannot Escape

The Bad Air Traders Cannot Escape

What does it cost to earn a living in one of Accra's busiest markets? In this episode of Clean Air Report Ghana, host Michael Asharley speaks with journalist Clankson Acheampong about her investigation into air pollution at Mallam Market, where traders spend long hours exposed to vehicle emissions, dust, smoke and grinding mill pollution. Her reporting found PM2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organisation's recommended limits by more than twelve times in some parts of the market, raising serious concerns about the health of thousands of workers.  Clean Air Report Ghana is a collaboration between New Narratives and leading Ghanaian newsrooms. Funding is provided by the Clean Air Fund which had no say in the reporting.

The Accidental E-Bike Revolution in Bawku

What happens when a security measure unexpectedly sparks a clean transport revolution? In this episode of Clean Air Report Ghana, host Michael Asharley speaks with JoyNews journalist Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen about the increasing adoption of electric motorcycles in Bawku and the surprising benefits residents say they are experiencing.  What began as a response to restrictions on petrol-powered motorcycles has evolved into a story about cleaner air, quieter streets, lower transport costs and improved quality of life. Could Bawku's experience offer a glimpse into the future of transportation in Ghana?  Clean Air Report Ghana is a collaboration between New Narratives and leading Ghanaian newsrooms. Funding is provided by the Clean Air Fund which had no say in the reporting.

When Every Breath Hurts: The Growing Link Between Air Pollution and Asthma

For millions of people living with asthma, the air they breathe can mean the difference between a normal day and a medical emergency. From dust rising off roads under construction to vehicle emissions, burning waste and cooking smoke, air pollution is increasingly becoming a dangerous trigger for respiratory illness across Ghana. In this episode, Michael Asharley speaks with Ghanaian Times journalist Abigail Annoh about her powerful reporting on the growing toll of poor air quality on asthmatics. Through the story of six-year-old Myles and his mother Bernice, the programme reveals the emotional, financial and physical burdens families face as they struggle to manage a condition made worse by the environment around them. Clean Air Report Ghana is a collaboration between New Narratives and leading Ghanaian newsrooms. Funding is provided by the Clean Air Fund which had no say in the reporting.

Tracking the Invisible: Building Africa's Air Quality Future

You cannot solve a problem you cannot measure. Across Africa, millions of people are exposed to air pollution every day, yet many countries still lack the monitoring systems, data and technical expertise needed to fully understand the scale of the crisis.  In this episode, Michael Asharley takes listeners inside the third Air Quality Sensor Evaluation and Training Facility for West Africa (Afri-SET) workshop, where scientists, policymakers, students and advocates gathered to strengthen the region’s capacity to monitor and manage air pollution. The programme explores why air quality data remains scarce across much of Africa, how low-cost sensors are being tested and adapted for local conditions, and why accurate measurements are essential for effective policymaking. Featuring insights from experts at the University of Ghana, the Environmental Protection Authority and the Clean Air Fund, the episode highlights the growing effort to build a new generation of air quality specialists equipped with the tools to turn data into action. Clean Air Report Ghana is a collaboration between New Narratives and leading Ghanaian newsrooms. Funding is provided by the Clean Air Fund which had no say in the reporting.

Breathing Change: How Young Ghanaians Are Taking on Air Pollution

Air pollution is often treated as a problem that only matters when the smoke becomes visible or the dust becomes unbearable. But by then, the damage may already be underway.  In this episode, Michael Asharley speaks with three young climate and clean air advocates who are working to change how Ghanaians understand the risks hidden in the air they breathe every day. From fishing communities in Jamestown to classrooms in Tamale and digital campaigns reaching young people across West Africa, Terry Kwame Azaglo, Amina Amponsah and Billchris Tetteh Ashiangmor are bringing the clean air conversation into places where it has often been absent.  Through science, education and community engagement, they are helping people connect air pollution to their health, livelihoods and future. Clean Air Report Ghana is a collaboration between New Narratives and leading Ghanaian newsrooms. Funding is provided by the Clean Air Fund which had no say in the reporting.