In this study, vehicular emissions from light vehicles within the central business district and the out skirt of Accra, Ghana, were measured and compared with the current European emission standards. The essence of the study was to provide primary emission data of vehicular transport in the city and to evaluate the effect of vehicular aging on emissions. The results show a higher failure rate (33-64%) for vehicles that are more than 10 years. For the gases tested carbon dioxide failure was the

more »

... ighest irrespective of the vehicle brand, age or vehicular capacity. Issues with contaminated or bad catalytic converters, poor positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve and temperature cooling sensor were major causes of emission test failure for older cars (>10 years) whereas faulty EGR, faulty catalytic convertor, poor engine cooling system and dirty oil in engines were identified as causes of emission failure in newer vehicles. With the formulation and introduction of emission control regulation, it is anticipated these failure rate will significantly reduce over time.