LocationsNew Investment Case Highlights Urgent Need for Coordinated Action on Air Quality and Health in Ghana
June 30, 2026
Accra, 30 June 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from Breathe Cities, launched the Investment Case for Improved Ambient Air Quality and Health in Ghana, a landmark publication that provides the country's strongest evidence to date on the health and economic impacts of ambient air pollution while outlining a roadmap for coordinated investments and policy action.
Air pollution remains one of the leading environmental risks to public health, contributing to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, cancers and premature deaths while imposing significant economic costs on the country. The Investment Case estimates that ambient air pollution costs Ghana US$1.9 billion annually in health-related expenditures and lost productivity, underscoring the urgent need for evidence-informed investments that protect lives, strengthen health systems and support sustainable development.
Developed through a collaborative process involving government institutions, development partners, academia and civil society, the Investment Case identifies priority interventions across sectors including transport, energy, waste management, urban planning and environmental governance. It is designed to guide policymakers, development partners and investors in prioritising actions that improve air quality while delivering long-term health, climate and economic benefits.
Key findings from the Investment Case
Ambient air pollution costs Ghana an estimated US$1.9 billion (GHS 28 billion) annually, equivalent to 2.3% of GDP.
More than 12,870 deaths and over 316,000 cases of disease each year are linked to excess ambient air pollution in Ghana. Around 64% of these deaths are premature.
During the launch, participants were presented with the findings of the Investment Case, which quantified the health and economic burden of ambient air pollution in Ghana and outlined priority interventions to reduce emissions, strengthen environmental health systems and protect vulnerable populations. The report provides a robust evidence base to support policy decisions, mobilise investment and strengthen multisectoral action.
Opening the launch, Shaima Hussein, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, underscored that tackling air pollution is fundamental to sustainable development.
"Health is both a driver and an outcome of sustainable development. Addressing the social, structural, economic and environmental determinants of health including air pollution is essential to improving health outcomes and reducing health inequities."
Shaima Hussein, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, delivering the opening remarks at the launch of the Investment Case for Improved Ambient Air Quality and Health in Ghana
She noted that the Investment Case represents an important step towards translating evidence into practical, multisectoral solutions that improve public health while advancing Ghana's sustainable development ambitions.
Highlighting the importance of turning evidence into action, Dr. Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour, Breathe Cities Portfolio Manager, said the Investment Case provides a practical roadmap for coordinated action by quantifying the cost of air pollution, identifying priority interventions and outlining the actors needed to drive change.
"This Investment Case shows how much air pollution is costing us based on national expenditure, who needs to act, and how we can reduce the costs of air pollution to the economy. There is no stronger evidence than this. Now, let's do something about it."
Dr. Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour, Portfolio Manager for Breathe Cities Ghana, speaks during the launch of the Investment Case for Improved Ambient Air Quality and Health in Ghana in Accra.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Climate Change and Health Technical Working Group, Ministry of Health, Solomon Laryea reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to translating the findings of the Investment Case into concrete policies, investments and interventions. He further noted that strengthening air quality actions will contribute significantly to the implementation of Ghana's Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), advancing a more climate-resilient and healthier health system.
"We reaffirm our commitment to working closely with UNDP and all partners to ensure that the outcomes of this Investment Case translate into concrete policies, investments and interventions that improve the health and well-being of all Ghanaians. We also recognize that strengthening air quality actions will contribute significantly to the implementation of Ghana's Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), advancing a more climate-resilient and healthier health system."
Solomon Laryea, speaking on behalf of the Climate Change and Health Technical Working Group at the Ministry of Health
The launch concluded with a high-level panel discussion on "Turning Evidence into Action: Mobilising Investments and Partnerships for Improved Air Quality and Health in Ghana," featuring representatives from the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana NCD Alliance and development partners.
The discussion underscored that tackling air pollution requires coordinated action across government, the health sector, finance institutions, civil society and development partners. Panellists called for stronger policy implementation, sustainable financing, enhanced enforcement, greater protection for vulnerable populations and the integration of air quality interventions into Ghana's broader health, climate and development agenda. Discussions also highlighted the importance of developing a national air quality policy, strengthening cross-sector collaboration and ensuring that evidence generated through the Investment Case informs future investments and decision-making.
The launch also introduced a companion Policy Brief, which distils the report's key findings and recommendations into an accessible resource for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting broader dialogue and informed decision-making on air quality and health.
UNDP calls on government, development partners, the private sector and civil society to leverage the evidence presented in the Investment Case to accelerate investments and partnerships that deliver cleaner air, healthier communities and sustainable economic growth.
The Investment Case for Improved Ambient Air Quality and Health in Ghana and the accompanying Policy Brief are available at:
Investment Case:https://go.undp.org/pJU
Policy Brief:https://go.undp.org/pJG
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.
About Breathe Cities
Breathe Cities is a global initiative supporting cities to accelerate clean air action through data-driven decision-making, strengthened governance and targeted investments that improve public health while addressing climate change. The initiative is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Clean Air Fundand C40 Cities
