Illustration of an air-quality monitoring station overlooking a West African city and university campus

West Africa Centre for Clean Air · KNUST

Cleaner air.
Stronger decisions.

WACCA strengthens the evidence, monitoring systems and institutional capability needed for effective air-quality management in Ghana and across West Africa.

Explore our programme Contact WACCA

Hosted at KNUSTCollege of Engineering

Supported by UNEP CCACInitial programme · 2026–2028

Illustration of WACCA’s clean-air monitoring vision

20planned low-cost sensors

12current ECOWAS member states in scope

9planned programme outputs

2026–28initial programme period

Why WACCA

Air-quality decisions need trusted evidence and durable institutions

Air pollution is a major public-health challenge in Africa, while clean-air programmes receive a limited share of international development funding. WACCA is being established to strengthen the connection between evidence, regulation and implementation.

The State of Global Air estimated that air pollution contributed to 1.1 million deaths in Africa in 2019. Clean Air Fund reports that 1% of international development funding in 2018–2022 went to clean-air projects.

Review the evidence and sources

1.1Mestimated air-pollution deaths in Africa in 2019

1%of international development funding for clean-air projects, 2018–2022

3connected programme outcomes

1regional centre hosted at KNUST

From measurement to action

Practical capability, built with the institutions that will use it

WACCA’s programme connects calibrated monitoring, open data, regulatory support and regional learning. It is designed to help public institutions use evidence in support of healthier air.

Sensor calibration
Open data
Policy guidance
Regional training

See outcomes and milestones

Illustration of a diverse technical team installing and calibrating an urban air-quality sensor — **Field monitoring**Calibration, deployment and maintenance

Illustration of an interconnected West African air-quality monitoring and policy network — **Regional systems**Shared data, policy coordination and institutional links

Plenary discussion at the Africa Clean Air Forum 2026 — **Knowledge exchange**Consultation, training and professional learning

The programme

Three connected areas of work

Each outcome supports the others: standards need evidence, evidence needs reliable monitoring, and regional progress needs institutions that can sustain both.

Programme target

Regulation and policy

Review standards and strengthen practical guidance for adoption, implementation and enforcement.

Programme target

Monitoring and open data

Develop a calibrated sensor network and accessible data that can support public decisions.

Programme target

Regional capability

Build a durable knowledge and training hub connected to institutions across West Africa.

Regional cooperation

Institutional collaboration across West Africa

Hosted at KNUST, WACCA works with public agencies, researchers, cities, civil-society organisations and regional networks to advance shared clean-air priorities.

Governance and institutional roles

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