EPA to deal ruthlessly with noise making public this festive season

The Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) has cautioned the general public against activities likely to mar the amiable atmosphere Ghanaians stands to enjoy this festive season as a result of any form of noise pollution and strictly comply with the standards of health protection requirements for ambient noise control laid down by the Ghana Standards Authority towards ensuring a peaceful environment.

Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu who made this known to journalists at a press briefing in Accra yesterday observed his outfit being very much aware of the level of indiscipline displayed by most Ghanaians  as far as noise pollution is concerned particularly businesses, event centres and religious gatherings during festive seasons especially Christmas and New Year celebrations is  leaving no stone unturned to embark on an exercise to clamp down on miscreants who flout the law.

He disclosed that the EPA in its quest to fulfil its mandate towards ensuring a peaceful atmosphere especially this yuletide season is on the verge of putting up a team of officials who will be mandated to visit public places nationwide to ensure strict public compliance of the ambient noise control level standard.

The Environmental Protection Agency has pegged permissible ambient noise levels in residential areas at 55 decibels (dB) during the day and 48 dB at night, for educational and health facilities it’s 55 dB during the day and 50 dB at night, while the noise level for areas with commercial or light industrial activities has been 65 dB and 60 dB during the day and night respectively.

Dr Kokofu further explained that the ‘formidable taskforce’ will be made up of officials from the EPA, the security agencies including other relevant stakeholders would mostly be seen in churches, mosques, pubs, restaurants, event centres, lorry stations, block factories among other social gathering where noise pollution is always endemic to enforce the law without fear or favor and bring perpetrators to book.

He warned that the recalcitrant Ghanaians, businesses and religious organizations /institutions who do not adhere strictly to the standards by the EPA are likely to be imposed upon a fine, have their licenses revoked or have their structures or facilities close down permanently.

Finally, Dr. Kokofu appealed to the general public particularly business minded people or businesses who want to stage public events/social gatherings to reach out to the EPA and secure a permit before they go ahead and embark on such activities so as to stay out of any trouble

In Ghana, festive seasons are often characterized by noise pollution at its peak especially during social events. Whether it is marriage, parties, pub, disc or place of worship, people normally flout rules set by the local administration and create a nuisance in the area.

People play songs at full volume and dance till midnight, which makes the condition of people living nearby pretty worse. In markets, you can see people selling clothes via making a loud noise to attract the attention of people.

While this may not seem like much at the outset, over time, it affects the hearing abilities of the individuals who are constantly exposed to these sounds.

In common use, noise means any unwanted sound. It is sound or a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired.

Noise pollution is excessive or displeasing noise that may disrupt the activity or balance of human or animal life.

Noise health effects are the health consequences of elevated sound levels. Studies have shown that elevated workplace or other noise can cause hearing impairment, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, annoyance, and sleep disturbance, and that changes in the immune system and birth defects have been attributed to noise exposure.

Source: Joseph Wemakor