Noisy churches to be prosecuted

The Ga West Municipal Assembly (GWMA), has embarked on stringent measures to ensure that churches, restaurants and drinking spots observe the basic rules on environmental noise pollution in the Municipality.

Mr Devine Dornu Sappor, Chief Environmental Health Officer of the GWMA, made this known to the Ghana News Agency during the confirmation of the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Sam Attuquaye Quaye on Monday.

He said so far 10 churches have been issued with summons to be prosecuted for noise nuisance and the initial steps would curb the practice which is now rampant in the municipality.

He said the offenders are Giver of Live International, Word Reality Church, Praise and Favour International, The Apostles Continuation International, Victory Praise Power, Christ Generation Church, Christ Hidden Life Ministry, Grace Power House International, Glory Star Ministry and Shiloh.

Mr Sappor said the head pastors of the offending churches have been processed for court for making noise above the permissible level.

He quoted the Local Government Act 1993 (Act 462) Section 296 (7) which states that it is an offence for noise to be made in any town adding that “there is a legal and legitimate basis for the intervention of the assemblies to control and deal with noise pollution”.

He said measuring noise levels are in progress for churches and restaurants.

The Health Officer said: “It is the responsibility of all residents to assist in halting the noise nuisance in their communities.

Mr Sappor said religious activities must be conducted in such a way that the noise level does not go beyond the stipulated boundaries.

Source: GNA