INAD2024: Police, MMDAs & EPA’s role in making Ghana less noisy
Introduction
Noise pollution is a growing concern in Ghana, particularly in urban areas like Accra. The constant barrage of noise from religious organisations, rubbish collectors, commercial vehicles with loud speakers, drinking spots, pubs, information centres traffic, construction sites and businesses can have detrimental effects on the health and well-being of citizens. As part of marking International Noise Awareness Day 2024, a Civil Society Organisation known as Eco-Conscious Citizens is advocating for urgent action to address this issue. This report will explore the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Police, and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in reducing noise pollution in Ghana, with a focus on the need for rapid response to complaints from citizens.
Speaking via a zoom meeting as part of marking the International Noise Awareness Day 2024 organized by Eco-Conscious Citizens, Coordinator Awula Serwah urged law enforcement agencies including the Ghana Police Service, MMDAs and EPA to enforce laws on noise pollution. She observed that “The feedback is that the EPA needs to act on complaints and close down noisy establishments operating without an Environmental Assessment or Permit”.
Concerns of participants/citizenry
Andrew Asare-Nyako, a participant who presented a specific case study on Dansoman-Accra appealed to the EPA to “strictly sanction noise makers and provide feedback on complaints.”
Contributing to the debate, Moderator Nana Asante suggested that “Facilities that make noise above the EPA’s permissible noise levels should be shutdown by the EPA to deter others from causing noise pollution. Ghana needs to get to the point where citizens get timely intervention to resolve noise pollution complaints.”
Richard Kwaku Asumah recounted the critical role played by Eco-Conscious Citizens in resolving a matter by writing a letter of caution to the church that was deliberately causing noise pollution in an area.
Naa Amerley Sackey, another participant also recounted an ongoing legal tussle between her and Nervana Lounge in Dzorwulu over noise pollution and the failure of the regulatory bodies to stamp their authority in holding a well connected person accountable.
Victor Asante, a participant suggested that the law be amended to scrap legal fees for vulnerable complainants who drag noise pollutants to court.
Meanwhile, a Representative of African Editors Jerry John Akornor wants stakeholders to lead and intensify media campaigns against the unwillingness of regulatory bodies to swiftly act on complaints related to noise pollution. According to him, such advocacy is needed to put authorities including the EPA, police, MMDAs, government and other stakeholders on their toes.
The detrimental effects of noise pollution
Noise pollution has been linked to a range of health problems, including hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. In a densely populated city like Accra, where noise levels can exceed safe limits, the impact on the well-being of residents is significant. Studies have also shown that excessive noise can hinder children’s learning in schools and disrupt wildlife habitats.
The role of the EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating and monitoring noise levels in Ghana. However, enforcement efforts have been inconsistent, and many businesses and individuals continue to flout noise regulations with impunity. The EPA must strengthen its monitoring and enforcement capabilities to ensure that noise levels are kept within acceptable limits. Additionally, public awareness campaigns should be carried out to educate citizens on the harmful effects of noise pollution and the need to comply with regulations.
Hobson Agyapong of the Environmental Protection Agency suggested that ” Eco-Conscious Citizens consult the Chief Justice of Ghana on the urgent need to fast-track hearing of cases related to noise pollution”. Apart from reporting noise pollution cases to the EPA, citizens are at liberty to write to Magistrate Courts for appropriate action. It is important to anchor the point that, noise levels were found to be high above the prescribed Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, with traffic noise levels ranging from 65.00 dBA to 98 dBA, while that of churches ranged from 73.10 dBA to 107.00 dBA and that of working sites from 74.4 dBA to 115.
The role of the Police
The Police play a crucial role in enforcing noise regulations in Ghana. They are responsible for responding to noise complaints from citizens and taking appropriate action against violators. However, some Police Officers are not aware that causing noise nuisance is a criminal offence.
In addition the response time to deal with noise complaints is often slow, leading to frustration among affected residents. The Police must prioritize noise complaints and respond swiftly to address the issue. They should also work closely with the EPA and other relevant authorities to coordinate efforts in combating noise pollution.
The role of MMDAs
Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have a role in managing noise pollution at the local level. They are responsible for issuing permits for businesses and construction projects that may generate noise and ensuring that these activities comply with noise regulations. MMDAs must enforce their bye-laws. They must also conduct regular inspections and audits to monitor noise levels in their jurisdictions and take enforcement action against violators. They should also work with community leaders and residents to raise awareness about noise pollution and promote responsible behaviour.
Urgent need for rapid response to complaints
One of the key challenges in addressing noise pollution in Ghana is the lack of rapid response to complaints from citizens. Many residents report excessive noise from neighbouring businesses, churches, and social events, but their complaints often go unaddressed. The EPA, Police, and MMDAs must prioritize rapid response to noise complaints and take immediate action to investigate and mitigate the sources of noise pollution. This will help to instil confidence among citizens that their concerns are being taken seriously and that the authorities are committed to addressing the issue.
Conclusion
Noise pollution is a significant environmental and public health issue in Ghana, particularly in urban areas like Accra. The detrimental effects of excessive noise on the well-being of citizens cannot be overstated. To make Ghana less noisy, the EPA, Police, and MMDAs must work together to strengthen enforcement efforts, raise awareness, and ensure rapid response to complaints from citizens. By taking decisive action to combat noise pollution, Ghana can create a quieter and more livable environment for all its residents., the EPA, Police, and MMDAs must work together to strengthen enforcement efforts, raise awareness, and ensure rapid response to complaints from citizens. By taking decisive action to combat noise pollution, Ghana can create a quieter and more livable environment for all its residents.
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