On November 17, 2021, Ghana’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced the removal of all tollbooths from public roads nationwide.
This strategic decision received accolades from Ghanaian Scientist Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah, based in Canada, who commended it as a smart and decisive initiative to address vehicular emissions and combat climate change.
The immediate impact of the tollbooth removal was a noticeable reduction in vehicular traffic, with the promise of long-term benefits for human health across Ghana.
Building on this momentum, Ghana’s Parliament took a historic stand on December 24, 2023, by passing the emissions levy.
Dr. Odame-Ankrah celebrated the passage of the Emissions Levy Act as a pivotal stride in Ghana’s commitment to sustainable climate change efforts.
This recognition followed his earlier proposal, gaining prominence after the United States Patent Office patented his innovative work.
Renowned for his background in air quality sciences, Dr. Odame-Ankrah had advocated for the emissions levy as a groundbreaking alternative to tollbooths, providing a local solution to generate revenue for climate change initiatives.
His visionary insight highlights the Act’s potential not only to reduce emissions but also to propel Ghana toward a more sustainable future, creating thousands of jobs through the establishment of an air quality monitoring network.
Responding to this monumental step, Dr. Odame-Ankrah emphasized the need for immediate action, calling for the removal of all speed ramps nationwide.
Instead, he proposed replacing them with speed cameras to enforce posted speed limits, identifying vehicle owners through their numbers and imposing hefty violation fines.
Dr. Odame-Ankrah argued that this move would further enhance the reduction in emissions, as speed ramps, designed for safety, contribute to vehicle pollution, negatively impacting human health.
He urged the government to allocate a portion of the revenue from the emissions levy to establish a comprehensive air quality monitoring network across Ghana.
This strategic measure, he asserted, is crucial in the fight against climate change, providing policymakers with verified data for informed decision-making to protect the environment and human life.
The passage of the Emissions Levy Act symbolizes Ghana’s Parliament’s profound commitment to proactively combat climate change.
It signifies not only a transformative policy shift but also Ghana’s leadership in embracing innovative solutions endorsed by experts like Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah.
As Ghana strides boldly toward a greener, more sustainable future, the implementation of a robust air quality monitoring network stands poised to fortify the nation’s resolve in decisively combating climate change and creating well-paying jobs.