The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has disclosed preliminary findings from an ongoing Urban Heat Vulnerability Assessment, which show a dramatic spike in land surface temperatures across the city over the last three decades, putting some communities at danger.
The study, led by Prof. Richard Amfo-Otu of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development under the Partnership for Healthy Cities Urban Heat Project, funded by Vital Strategies, indicated that extreme heat concentrations were intensifying in communities such as James Town, Chorkor, Agbogbloshie, Old Fadama, Kaneshie, Mamprobi and sections of the Industrial Area with vulnerable groups including older adults, children, informal workers, vendors, transport operators,
Speaking about the findings, Accra’s Mayor, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, stated that the Assembly was committed to using the evidence to strengthen preparedness and protect residents, and that the research was consistent with the city’s broader vision of developing a healthier and more climate-resilient Accra.
The findings, he claimed, will inspire key reforms such as building code updates, more urban greening, improved infrastructure in markets and truck stops, improved early heat warning systems, and increased community awareness of heat-related hazards.
Although the risk assessment has yet to be officially released, the Mayor stated that it is one of the most thorough investigations of heat exposure in the city and will serve as the foundation for the next phase of climate and public health planning.
Prof. Amfo-Otu said the findings revealed that Accra is “heating faster than many imagine,” noting that temperature rises vary significantly around the metropolis.
He added that the results provide AMA with clear scientific guidelines for creating focused and affordable heat-resilience solutions. He clarified that certain areas were currently facing conditions severe enough to endanger health, livelihoods, and urban infrastructure.
Head of Public Health at the AMA, Florence Kuukyi, said the study gave “a level of detail we have not had before,” underlining that the knowledge would influence heat-health messaging, improve surveillance systems and assist safeguard vulnerable areas.
She also noted that the findings warranted adjustments to Accra’s building bye-laws, including ventilation standards, roofing requirements, shade provision and green infrastructure for markets and transport hubs, adding that “cooling must become a core part of Accra’s urban planning.”
Source: newsthemegh.com