The potential of integrating vehicular emissions policy into Ghana’s transport policy for sustainable urban mobility

Abstract

Auto vehicle emissions are a major challenge for ambient air pollution control in most developing countries including Ghana. Major auto emissions, particulate matter, are critical road transport emissions that threaten human health and the environment but are often excluded from policy discussions. In Ghana, vehicle acquisition schemes are not environmentally friendly and current national policies have alienated the monitoring of airborne emissions from the transport sector. This calls for the design and implementation of green transport and fuel economy options. We discuss the critical role of motor vehicle particulates in Ghana and propose policy solutions for sustainable urban mobility. We have shown that environmental remediation, social equity and sustainability can only be achieved when transport emissions are properly integrated in a coordinated transport policy. Ghana has a National Transport Policy that recognizes the challenges of environmental pollution due to vehicular emissions and uneconomic fuel consumption. There are green fuel policy proposals and a vehicle testing and licensing regime that is largely driven by mechanical and electrical functionality. Auto-vehicle emissions performance standards have not been developed and technical capacity for emissions testing is lacking. Ambient air monitoring is limited to particulate matter which is not nationally representative as it is confined to Greater Accra Region at only 15 sites. 77% of road users believe 20% of all cars in urban centres visibly exude fumes. Noise pollution and vehicular emissions were reported at 78% and 75% of 160 respondents respectively. Vehicle owners, drivers and driver unions are apprehensive of electric cars but would welcome a reliable, convenient and efficient mass transport system. Abatement strategies to reduce vehicular emissions particulates will require integrated solutions and inter-agency collaboration among regulatory institutions. The Environmental Protection Agency and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority should be empowered to develop emissions performance standards and conduct real time monitoring of particulates with the assistance of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service. It is further recommended that volatile organic compounds, particularly benzene series contaminants, should be monitored by the Agency. Further research on vehicular emissions of volatile organic compounds and their health effects on road users should be carried out to understand the full impact of exposure of on-road emissions.

Studies on Quality of Joints and Phenomena Therein for Welded Vehicle Components Made of Aluminium Alloy – a Review

“…The necessity to limit emissions from vehicles [1][2][3] might be fulfilled inter alia via a reduction of their weight [4,5]. For example, the utilization of lighter and equally durable components for suspension elements and frames allowed accomplishing such an aim [6].…”

Studies on the Quality of Joints and Phenomena Therein for Welded Automotive Components Made of Aluminum Alloy—A Review

“…The necessity to limit emissions from vehicles [1][2][3] imposed by the applicable regulations might be fulfilled, inter alia, via a reduction in their weight [4,5]. For example, the utilization of lighter and equally durable components for suspension elements and frames helps to accomplish such an aim [6].…”

Impact of Corona Virus Stay-at-Home Policies on Traffic Emissions and Ambient Pollutant Concentrations in Ghana, West Africa

“…Recent studies have identified particulate matter as the major contributor to ambient air pollution from energy consumption and transportation in Ghana. [16] The results of this analysis can provide information to regulatory bodies concerning whether significant improvement in air quality could be expected if air quality control measures are strictly enforced. Ghana had the first coronavirus case on March 12, 2020, when two infected people from Norway and Turkey visited Ghana.…”