From May to July 2024, the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) reached out for some help with an exciting street transformation project in Accra, Ghana, called “Removing Pollution from Play.” They believe that if we create cities that are safe and fun for kids and their caregivers, then we’re making them better for everyone!

Did you know that kids and young people make up the biggest chunk of Accra's urban population? According to the latest census, children under 15 are breathing in polluted air every day, which puts them at a higher risk for health issues and developmental challenges.

GDCI’s Air Quality project is all about protecting these vulnerable groups. It’s a mix of research and hands-on street transformation. The idea is to see how smart urban design can help cut down on air pollution. Program Manager Hayrettin Günç shared their plan: they’ll kick things off with a pilot project at a school, creating a safe play area away from pollution. The goal? To gather results that can inspire similar projects across the city.

*Ato Annan engaging with children in a classroom at Osu Salem School in Accra*

Ato Annan and Adwoa Amoah from the Foundation for Contemporary Art in Accra are on board as part of the consultative team. In July 2024, they teamed up with GDCI’s Eric for a two-day workshop at Osu Salem 1 school, the site of the project. They used a DIY reverse periscope to see the world from a three-year-old's perspective, along with drawing and discussions, to brainstorm how to make the street in front of the school a better place for kids to play.

This project is not just about making streets look good; it’s about creating healthier environments for our future generations. By focusing on kids, GDCI aims to tackle the serious issue of air pollution that affects so many young lives in Accra.

Streets, Clean Air, and Play

Mmofra Foundation