Clean air is essential for early childhood development, yet many urban environments expose children to harmful pollutants every day. In Accra, Ghana, vehicle emissions and open waste burning have made air quality a growing concern, particularly around schools and play areas. To address this, GDCI, in collaboration with the Korle Klottey Municipality and with support from the Clean Air Fund, launched the Removing Pollution from Play project in late 2023, with the aim to tackle air pollution in school environments by implementing practical solutions, raising awareness, and empowering communities to advocate for cleaner air. In March 2025, the completed intervention was inaugurated, and the new safe play space now serves over 150 students in Accra.
Our new report details the process, methodology and impact of the Removing Pollution from Play project in Accra, and demonstrates how by reimagining streets and transforming an underutilized parking lot into a safe play environment, targeted urban design interventions can promote cleaner air and healthier futures for children.