By Collins Sarkodieh 
Every single day, thousands of cars, commercial trotros, and heavy trucks release toxic gases into our atmosphere. At busy transport hubs like the 37 Military Bus Terminal in Accra, commuters and commercial drivers interact with heavy exhaust fumes daily.
While many citizens recognize that black exhaust smoke triggers asthma attacks, many drivers delay maintenance because repair costs are high. However, health experts warn that ignoring vehicle emissions creates severe long-term medical complications for everyone.
Associate Professor at the University of Ghana School of Public Health, Professor Reginald Quansah, warns that vehicle emissions carry dire health consequences. Inhaling exhaust fumes damages the human cardiovascular system and leads to chronic heart conditions.
In addition to respiratory illnesses like asthma, research proves that prolonged exposure to toxic exhaust gases contributes directly to cancer and brain health issues. World Health Organization figures indicate that air pollution contributes to roughly 28,000 preventable deaths across Ghana every single year.
Professor Quansah advises passengers to adopt immediate protective measures when traveling in public transport. Passengers inside smoky trotros should open windows for ventilation and wear protective nose masks to filter out dangerous particulate matter.
Commuters should avoid boarding poorly maintained vehicles that produce excessive exhaust smoke. Protecting vulnerable groups like pregnant women, young children, elderly citizens, and roadside street vendors remains a vital community priority.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority confirms that the Ministry of Transport is developing new policies to strengthen emission controls nationwide. However, environmental advocates argue that policy creation alone will not solve air pollution without strict roadside enforcement.
Authorities must enforce mandatory periodic vehicle checks, improve local fuel quality standards, and invest in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Public awareness campaigns will empower citizens to demand cleaner air and support national climate change interventions.
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Source: 3News
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