The Director of the Metro Public Health Department at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Madam San. Florence S. Kuukyi (FWAPCEH), has emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat environmental degradation and climate change. Speaking at the commemoration of World Environmental Health Day 2024, she called for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations to address illegal mining (galamsey), pollution, and the growing climate crisis.
Under the theme “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation,” Madam Kuukyi highlighted the ongoing devastation caused by illegal mining, which continues to pollute water bodies with dangerous chemicals like mercury and cyanide. She noted that this has led to the degradation of farmlands and forests, threatening food security and the well-being of communities.
“Rivers that once provided clean drinking water and supported biodiversity are now severely polluted, posing severe risks to human health and agriculture,” she lamented. Kuukyi stressed that Ghana’s resilience as a nation is dependent on preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
Water pollution, particularly from industrial waste and poor waste management practices, has exacerbated public health challenges. According to Kuukyi, diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery have surged in areas where access to clean water is compromised.
Turning to the issue of air pollution, Kuukyi noted that rapid urbanization, vehicular emissions, and open burning of waste in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi have led to a rise in respiratory illnesses. She also warned that the increasing levels of air pollution contribute to global warming, further complicating efforts to address climate change.
“We need a robust strategy that includes improved public transport, better industrial regulations, and stronger waste management policies to tackle the problem of air pollution,” she said.
Madam Kuukyi’s speech outlined the importance of creating resilient communities through disaster risk reduction, mitigation, and adaptation strategies. She called for collaborative efforts from government, businesses, community leaders, and civil society to address the root causes of environmental degradation and adopt sustainable solutions. These include the promotion of renewable energy, sustainable agricultural practices, and reforestation.
“Our work in monitoring environmental hazards, managing waste, ensuring food safety, and controlling disease vectors is more critical than ever before,” she stated. She encouraged all Ghanaians to take personal responsibility in protecting the environment and to support policies that promote sustainable development.
As Ghana grapples with the realities of climate change, the AMA is committed to working with stakeholders to build communities that are both resilient and thriving.
