The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a public advisory urging caution amidst the ongoing harmattan season.
In light of increased dust levels observed at the University of Ghana’s monitoring station, the EPA advises limiting outdoor activities to the barest minimum.
Especially vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, individuals with asthma or allergies, and those with underlying health conditions, are strongly encouraged to minimize outdoor exposure where possible.
Additionally, the EPA recommends taking precautionary measures, including the use of pollution masks when necessary, refraining from open burning, and sprinkling water on dusty surfaces before sweeping to reduce dust emissions.
“Monitoring results from January 26 to date indicates an Air Quality Index (AQI) between unhealthy (Red) and very unhealthy (purple). This corroborates the Ghana Meteorological Agency’s Harmattan Advisory Update III 2023/2024 which indicates that the harmattan season has intensified,” the statement said.
Furthermore, all vehicle users are urged to reduce speeding on untarred roads to mitigate dust emissions and ensure public safety. The EPA emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding health and well-being during the harmattan period.