When the Wind Brings Dust — and Disease

Every year, the harmattan sweeps across northern Ghana, coating communities in fine dust from the Sahara. But beyond the haze lies a more dangerous reality. Health experts say the same dry, dusty air is closely linked to recurring outbreaks of cerebrospinal meningitis, a disease that returns almost every dry season and continues to claim lives.

Michael Asharley speaks with journalist Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith, whose investigation traces the connection between environmental conditions and disease. 

Blending science with deeply human stories, including the lasting impact on survivors, the episode highlights a crisis that is both preventable and persistent. 

Clean Air Report Ghana is a collaboration between New Narratives and leading Ghanaian newsrooms. Funding is provided by the Clean Air Fund which had no say in the reporting.