Determination of Sulphur (IV) Oxide Levels in Ambient Air at Traffic-Prone Points in the Greater Accra Region: A Case Study of Weija Tollbooth
Overview:This research measured ambient SO₂ levels at the Weija Tollbooth — one of Greater Accra’s busiest traffic chokepoints. The study used analytical chemistry methods to quantify sulphur dioxide concentrations in air samples collected at various intervals.
Motivation
Triggered by a 2016 Public Eye investigation revealing that European companies were exporting substandard, highly sulphurous fuel to West African countries that lacked stringent fuel standards. This followed a decade-long UNEP campaign that culminated in the global ban of lead in gasoline.
Policy impact
Provides scientific evidence for the EPA Ghana and Ghana Health Service to enforce vehicle emission standards, implement urban traffic management policies, and improve air quality monitoring in congested urban areas — directly protecting respiratory health in Greater Accra.