Extreme heat linked to rising anxiety, aggression – Experts warn
Experts warn that extreme heat is linked to rising anxiety and aggression in Ghana's coastal communities, where residents face worsening heat conditions due to climate change and poor housing design. Residents in Chorkor, a densely populated fishing community, report increased mental health issues and stress due to the heat.
Prof. Ebenezer Amankwaa, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, says prolonged exposure to high temperatures is linked to anxiety, aggression, and irritability. In Chorkor, residents report worsening heat conditions affecting their mental well-being. The community's dense and unplanned settlement structure, poor housing design, and overcrowding exacerbate the heat. Residents, including fish processors and traders, continue working through the heat, often in enclosed spaces with additional warmth sources. Experts advocate for practical interventions, such as improving building orientation and reducing indoor heat sources, to reduce the burden. Low-income communities are among the most exposed due to limited resources.
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