The students during the event
Infinity970, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to improve the lives and wellbeing of communities through communication, education, interaction and advocacy, recently embarked on a public education campaign on air pollution in Greater Accra.
Supported by Breathe Cities, Infinity970 engaged some schools in the Ayawaso Central Municipality centering on the causes and effects of air pollution.
Students from the municipality attended the session with their teachers, in addition to representatives from the assembly.
Emmanuel Lamptey, a director from Infinity970, briefed the learners about the campaign and the effects of air pollution as well as its impact on the environment and the health of people. It was a moment filled with education, interaction, and inspiration.
Students were guided through an eye-opening discussion on “Air Pollution and its Sources,” with communication materials (i.e. TV advert, Radio Jingle and Poster/Billboard) from the campaign reinforcing the message.
Students were also given the opportunity to bring their perspective on air pollution, leading to the clarification of some misinformation.
Mr. Lamptey explained the number of air pollution cases on a daily basis, adding that a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Report in 2022, revealed that 28,000 people died annually from air pollution.
He continued that polluted air was bad for human health, economies and the planet, adding that it affected most localities even though the details and complexities differed from community to community. It ranged from dust, fumes from burning substances, and waste disposal among others.
In Ghana, he said air pollution was the second biggest threat to health.
Nana Amoako, Head of Research at Infinity970, after the event, mentioned that the session was just one of a number of interactive sessions planned for communities, schools and municipal assemblies.
He then encouraged stakeholders to contribute their support for air pollution prevention.
Obiri Yeboah Givens, Environmental Health Officer, who represented Musah Abdul Samad, Municipal Environmental Health Officer for Ayawaso Central, advised the students not to pollute the air and also to educate anyone whom they saw polluting the air.
Also present at the programme were Bright Delali Asiklu, School Improvement Support Officer and Emmanuel Asante, the Municipality’s SHEP Coordinator. Together, they set the tone for what became a highly engaging programme.
A Daily Guide Report