Noise pollution is dangerous health hazard – EPA

Mrs Philomena Boakye Appiah, Brong-Ahafo Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has reiterated the need for strict adherence to environmental regulations and guidelines on noise pollution for the well-being of the people.

She said the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must ensure the observation of the regulations and guidelines to promote the health and safety of the society.

Mrs Appiah said research shows that noise pollution is a risky health hazard and a silent killer, which could induce hypertension and cause blindness.

He made the call over the weekend during the third meeting of the Compliance and Enforcement Network Committee (CENC) under the Regional Office of the EPA.

She said noise pollution causes irritability and indigestion and adversely affect the foetus of pregnant women.

Mrs Appiah expressed assurance that the Agency would give technical support to the MMDAs for the effective prosecution of those who flout environmental laws, particularly noise pollution.

She informed the meeting that since 2011 her outfit has penalised a number of companies in the region for contravening the environmental laws.

The meeting, facilitated by Mr Samuel Oteng, Principal Programme Officer and Deputy Regional Director, identified religious activities, information centres, drinking bars and itinerant preachers as the main culprits of noise pollution in the communities.

Members of the Committee include representatives from the Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service, Attorney-General’s Department, Town and Country Planning Department and the Ghana News Agency.

Others are the Ghana National Fire Service, Factories Inspectorate Department, Custom Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Tourism Authority, Regional House of Chiefs and Regional Coordinating Council.

Source: GNA