Shining a Light on Ghana’s Pollution Problem and Solutions: Albert Oppong Ansah

Award-winning journalist Albert Oppong Ansah joins host Michael Asharley to share how powerful storytelling can help Ghana breathe cleaner air.

In this episode of Clean Air Report Ghana, Albert — a reporter with the Ghana News Agency and a New Narratives Clean Air Fellow — reflects on his recent win as Best in News Reporting (Online) at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association Awards. It was the second big win for him in a week. A few days before the GJA award, he also picked up the Eric and Wendy Schmidt award for excellence in science communication from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine in the United States. His investigative stories on air pollution didn’t just inform; they provoked national discussion and inspired action.

Albert talks about what motivates his reporting, the challenges of covering environmental issues, and how the Clean Air Fellowship has shaped his journalism. He also shares what he’s learned from years of covering the human and policy sides of Ghana’s pollution crisis — and why awareness remains the first step toward cleaner, healthier air.

As the country continues to confront one of its most silent public health threats, this conversation explores how committed journalists can bridge the gap between science, policy, and the people most affected.

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.