The Director of Infinity 970, Emmanuel Lamptey, has issued a passionate appeal for Ghanaians to take urgent and collective action against the growing menace of air pollution, describing it as one of the most pressing environmental and public health threats facing the country today.

Delivering his address during an educational outreach program at the Nima Cluster of Schools on Wednesday, October 22, Mr. Lamptey emphasised that air pollution poses severe risks not only to human health but also to the nation’s socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. He noted that the issue requires immediate, coordinated, and sustained action from all segments of society — government institutions, private organisations, civil society groups, schools, and individual citizens alike.

The event formed part of the “General Sources Campaign,” an ambitious initiative spearheaded by Infinity 970 in partnership with Breathe Cities, an international organisation committed to promoting cleaner, healthier urban environments.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the causes, effects, and solutions to air pollution while equipping students and community members with practical tools and knowledge to reduce pollution in their immediate surroundings.

According to Mr. Lamptey, the campaign’s core objective is not merely to inform the public but to inspire a cultural and behavioural transformation among Ghanaians.

He stressed that sustainable change begins with awareness and personal responsibility, especially among young people who will serve as the nation’s environmental stewards in the years to come.

“We cannot build a prosperous and healthy Ghana if we continue to treat the air we breathe as an afterthought,” Mr. Lamptey stated. “Our youth are the heartbeat of the nation.

By educating them early about air quality and environmental protection, we are empowering a new generation to lead the fight against pollution and climate degradation.”

Citing data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), he revealed that an estimated 28,000 Ghanaians lose their lives each year due to illnesses and conditions linked to air pollution.

This figure, he warned, could rise significantly if decisive measures are not implemented. He explained that air pollution has been identified as a major contributing factor to respiratory diseases, heart complications, stroke, and premature deaths, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi.

Mr. Lamptey further explained that air pollution in Ghana stems from multiple sources — including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, open burning of waste, construction dust, and the use of inefficient cooking fuels such as charcoal and firewood. He called for a comprehensive approach that addresses these sources through education, policy enforcement, and community engagement.

To help mitigate the effects of poor air quality, he encouraged schools, homes, and workplaces to adopt simple but effective measures such as sprinkling water on dusty compounds before sweeping, planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide, and refraining from the burning of refuse and plastics.

Such everyday practices, he said, could significantly reduce the levels of airborne particulate matter and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

The outreach program also featured a presentation by Abass Ibrahim, Environmental Health Officer at the Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly, who echoed Mr. Lamptey’s concerns and reiterated the need for sustained public cooperation in tackling air pollution.

Mr. Ibrahim emphasised that improving air quality is a shared responsibility, and citizens must play their part by embracing proper waste management and maintaining hygienic surroundings.

“Environmental officers across the country are working tirelessly to enforce sanitation by-laws, but our efforts will only succeed if community members take personal responsibility.”

Mr. Ibrahim noted. “Avoid burning refuse, no matter how small. Instead, register with accredited waste management companies for regular garbage collection and acquire dustbins from your local assemblies to promote proper disposal.”

He also called for continuous public education, particularly among schoolchildren, emphasising that young people are powerful agents of change capable of influencing their families and communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Mr. Ibrahim encouraged teachers to integrate environmental topics into classroom discussions to nurture eco-consciousness among students from an early age.

Students from the Nima Cluster of Schools expressed deep appreciation to Infinity 970 and Breathe Cities for organising the session, which they described as eye-opening and inspiring. Many of the pupils said the program had given them a clearer understanding of how everyday activities—such as burning waste, leaving engines idling, or neglecting greenery—affect the quality of the air they breathe.

They pledged to share the lessons learned with their families and peers, vowing to contribute to a community-wide effort for cleaner air in Nima and beyond.

The outreach concluded with an interactive session where students and teachers asked questions about air pollution and shared ideas on how to maintain cleaner school environments. Participants also received educational materials highlighting practical steps to reduce pollution and protect public health.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Lamptey reiterated that addressing air pollution is not the responsibility of one organisation or government agency but a collective national duty. He called for stronger partnerships between government ministries, municipal assemblies, environmental NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector to develop innovative and community-driven solutions to Ghana’s air quality challenges.

“We must act now — not tomorrow — if we truly care about the health of our children and the future of our planet,” he said. “A cleaner Ghana begins with each of us making a conscious effort to change our habits and protect the air we share.”

The event ended on a hopeful note, with participants pledging to become advocates for clean air in their communities. As the “General Sources Campaign” continues its outreach across the country, Infinity 970 and Breathe Cities remain committed to driving national dialogue and grassroots action toward achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Ghana for both present and future generations.