Environmental Impacts of COVID-19: A Study of Ghana

Abstract

Aim of this study is gathering secondary data and portrays a picture of the environment of Ghana under pandemic effects. Global spread of COVID-19 for quite a short time brought a considerable reduction in industrial activities, road traffic and tourism. Restricted human interaction with nature during this crisis time has appeared as a blessing for nature and environment. Reports from all over the world are indicating that after the outbreak of COVID-19, environmental conditions including air quality and water quality in rivers are improving and wildlife is blooming. Ghana has always been a hub of pollution with huge population, heavy traffics and polluting industries leading to high air pollution in the capital of Ghana-Accra. After the implementation of lockdown by the government of Ghana due to COVID-19, air quality improved and other environmental indicators such as water quality in rivers gave a positive sign towards restoring. The lockdown also had its negative effects on the environment. This study provides evidence-based insight into improvement of air quality, noise pollution during pre and post lockdown of this pandemic. Air quality indicators PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and NO₂ concentrations were factored in the analysis of the study. The study also observed no significant improvement in land littering before and after the lockdown period as face masks, coverings and plastic hand sanitizers added to the existing volume of waste in the environment.

Keywords: Air quality, land littering, noise pollution, carbon emission, ozone layer.

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-12-03

Publication date: December 31^st 2021