FEATURE: Let’s put up a fight against environmental noise pollution

Many Ghanaians complain bitterly about having sleepless nights after a hectic day due to activities of some churches, bars, clubs, and other noisy trades.  Section 26. (1) of the criminal code of Ghana’s 1992 constitution states that “Every person is entitled to enjoy, practice, profess, maintain and promote any culture, language, tradition or religion subject to the provisions of this Constitution.”

Undoubtedly, it is clause 1 of this section that gives churches, restaurants, bars, town criers, and others the right to carry out their activities especially because those activities may be their sources of livelihood. However, knowing very well that the end of one’s right is the beginning of that of another person, the framers of the constitution provided boundaries.

As Ghanaians, let’s all take a critical look at the streets of all regions in Ghana, especially Accra, pastors and evangelists have now taken over our streets day and night. One might say they are doing the work of God and yes it’s true but we should also remember that the country consists of different religions. People have now turned street evangelism into business which they depend on for their daily bread.

The framers of the 1992 constitution proceeded to give a caveat in clause 2 of the same section 26 that: “All customary practices which dehumanize or are injurious to the physical and mental wellbeing of a person are prohibited”.

This caveat clearly means that inasmuch as churches, restaurants, bars, town criers, and others have the right under the constitution to carry out their activities, they must do them in such moderation that they will not end up violating the rights of others.

The home is a persons’ refuge from the world. When noise from outside invades that home without permission it interrupts and disturbs the peace in that home.

Clause 7 of Section 296 states that any person who “in any town willfully or wantonly, and after being warned to desist, makes any loud or unseemly noise howsoever caused to the annoyance or disturbance of any person.

in clause 8 of the same section 296, it states that any person who: “in any town, without a license in writing from the Minister or a local authority beats or plays any drum, gong, tom-tom, or other similar instruments of music between eight o’clock at night and six in the morning”, commits a felony for which he or she “shall be liable to a fine not exceeding ¢200,000”.

Noise has harmful effects on the psychological health of children. Therefore 28(1)(d) demands that children be protected from harmful noise.  It is clear that we cannot live without sound or noise and reducing noise pollution to ‘zero’ is unrealistic. However, the Environmental protection agency can work to make sure that noise levels are reduced.

WAYS TO REDUCE NOISE POLLUTION.

Close the Windows

Reducing the amount of noise entering our homes and buildings is possible by simply closing the windows. It keeps away annoying sounds.

2. Put on Earplugs

Wearing earplugs is a cost-effective solution for reducing noise pollution. A pair of earplugs can be worn while sleeping or at any other time of the day when you want to reduce the amount of noise hitting your eardrums.

Earplugs have their health benefits, especially for those who wish to have a healthy sleeping habit in noisy areas.

3. Improve your Insulation

Insulation measures are some of the primary and most practical ways to reduce noise pollution at home. It’s an art of soundproofing, which helps in blocking the sound vibrations and noise.

By improving insulation, it means installing soundproofing materials on the walls, ceiling, and even on the floor. Using double-pane windows and weather-stripping in your home can aid in absorbing noise and work as added insulation saving energy bills.

4. Invest in Noise-Canceling Headphones

The majority of people may not realize this, but sound-canceling headphones are good for reducing noise pollution. It’s essentially important for industrial and construction workers. The noise-canceling headphones filter the unwanted noise well before it reaches the ears.

5. Do Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting comes in as another practical and straightforward way of reducing noise pollution. This kind of arrangement goes a long way in lowering incoming noise into our homes or offices.

6. Install a Fence

It may sound extreme, but it qualifies as a practical way to reduce noise pollution. Noise is produced by strong sound waves or vibrations, which can be significantly reduced by barriers.

By installing a fence, you’ll be creating a barrier that absorbs the strong sound waves or vibrations, thereby reducing noise pollution around your office or home.

7. Be Creative with the Office or House Layout
One way to reduce noise in the house or an office setting is to get innovative with the general layout or design. For instance, noisy machines can be placed in areas that are not close to the sitting/resting or working areas.