Accra, the capital of Ghana, has been ranked as the second most polluted city in Africa, according to a recent report by Numbeo.
The report’s Pollution Index measures overall pollution levels, considering factors such as air and water pollution, waste management, cleanliness, noise and light pollution, green spaces, and overall living conditions.
In this index, Accra scored 89.2, placing it just behind Cairo, Egypt, which leads with a score of 91.0.
This high level of pollution in Accra is primarily attributed to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and inadequate waste management practices.
These factors have led to dangerously high levels of air, water, and land pollution, posing significant health risks to residents.
Prolonged exposure to polluted air has been linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections, as well as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these hazardous conditions.
The top ten most polluted cities in Africa, according to the report, are as follows:
1. Cairo, Egypt – Pollution Index: 91.0
2. Accra, Ghana – Pollution Index: 89.2
3. Lagos, Nigeria – Pollution Index: 88.5
4. Marrakech, Morocco – Pollution Index: 84.1
5. Casablanca, Morocco – Pollution Index: 82.1
6. Harare, Zimbabwe – Pollution Index: 82.1
7. Nairobi, Kenya – Pollution Index: 79.8
8. Tunis, Tunisia – Pollution Index: 75.1
9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Pollution Index: 74.6
10. Alexandria, Egypt – Pollution Index: 73.5
This ranking underscores the urgent need for effective environmental policies and sustainable urban planning in Accra to mitigate pollution levels and protect public health.
