From classrooms to clinics, the CleanAIRE for All initiative connected people across Techiman in a shared mission of cleaner air for healthier lives.
Implemented under the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Grant, the initiative brought together CleanAIRE NC (USA) and Ghana’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to deliver training, technology, and education focused on tackling air pollution in the Bono East Region.
From 12th to 17th September, 2025, the project team led a week of transformative activities centred on four key components: environmental education, air quality sensor installation, capacity building for EPA officers, and engagement with health professionals.
The week began with an Environmental Education Activity at Mt. Camel Junior High School, where students participated in interactive sessions on air pollution, climate change, and environmental stewardship.
The energy and curiosity of the students highlighted the growing role of youth in shaping Ghana’s environmental future.
The project also achieved a major milestone in data-driven environmental management through the installation of PurpleAir and AirNote sensors at selected sites across the Techiman Municipality and Techiman North District.
Communities including Bamire, Tuobodom, Wiawso, Hansua, Ahenbronoso, and Takofiano host air quality monitors that will generate vital data for tracking pollution trends and informing local decision-making.
These installations represent a step forward in Ghana’s goal of expanding sub-national air quality monitoring.
To sustain these advances, the project held a technical training session for officers of the Bono East Regional EPA Office. The session focused on sensor maintenance, data interpretation, visualisation, and communication strategies, equipping officers with the skills needed to integrate sensor data into regulatory and public awareness work.
Health professionals were also a key focus of the initiative. A specialised engagement and training session led by Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumna and 2024 Leadership Impact Award Winner, Dr Joel Duah Afi, as well as other facilitators, explored the health impacts of air pollution.
The interactive workshop helped connect environmental data to public health practice, building collaboration between the EPA and the healthcare community.
“Air pollution is both an environmental and a public health challenge,” said Dr. Afi. “By linking air quality data with community health insights, we can design smarter interventions that protect lives and promote well-being.”
The project was implemented with support from CleanAIRE NC’s Director of Programs and Impact, Daisha Wall, and Development Director, Madison Fragnito, who travelled to Ghana to co-lead the activities.
Their involvement reflected CleanAIRE NC’s long-standing commitment to community-based air quality initiatives and cross-continental collaboration.
“Our time in Techiman reminded us that clean air connects every aspect of life, from the classroom to the clinic,” said Daisha Wall, Director of Programs and Impact at CleanAIRE NC.
“By sharing tools and knowledge, we’re not just collecting data; we’re helping communities protect their health, strengthen local leadership, and shape the future they deserve.”
“Our experience underscores how powerful collaborative initiatives can be in advancing clean air solutions,” said Madison Fragnito, Director of Development at CleanAIRE NC.
“When researchers, local partners, and policymakers work together, we’re able to translate community insights into evidence that informs lasting air quality policies and deepens our understanding of the links between air and health. I’m grateful to be part of a project that turns shared knowledge into meaningful, sustainable change.”
Reflecting on the project’s outcomes, Huda Ibrahim, a Mandela Washington Fellowship alumna and Assistant Programme Officer at the EPA, emphasised how CleanAIRE for All aligns with ongoing scientific efforts in the region.
“This project complements the work of the Kintampo Health Research Centre, which has been instrumental in studying air quality and public health in the Bono East Region,” she said.
“By expanding EPA’s monitoring capacity and generating reliable data, we’re supporting evidence-based environmental governance and building a foundation for informed policy action.
“I’m deeply grateful to CleanAIRE NC, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S Embassy in Ghana and IREX for their partnership and support.”
Beyond the installations and training, the CleanAIRE for All initiative left a deeper legacy—one of knowledge, empowerment, and connection.
The collaboration between U.S. and Ghanaian partners demonstrated how shared expertise can drive progress on local environmental challenges, while inspiring a new generation to see clean air as a right, not a privilege.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX.
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