Ghanaian Churches warned of punishment for noise pollution and EPA regulation violations
Hope Smith Lomotey, the acting Volta Regional director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has warned churches of the legal consequences of non-compliance with its regulations. Lomotey urged churches to obtain permits before undertaking any construction or event to avoid punishment. Operating without an EPA permit constitutes an offence punishable by fines or operation stoppage.
In an interaction with church stakeholders, including the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches (GPCC) and the National Clergy Association of Ghana, Lomotey addressed pertinent issues surrounding noise pollution and authorisation matters. He stressed that permits grant the right to operate within acceptable regulations.
Lomotey also discussed the issue of noise pollution in church buildings, which have become reservoirs of noise pollution, especially at night. He warned that high decibels of noise for extended periods pose public health issues, and those who work around the noise must seek medical attention. Noise nuisance is any loud, unnecessary, unusual sound, or any sound that annoys, disturbs, injures, endangers, or distracts from the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of any person.
According to the World Health Organization, noise is the second-largest environmental cause of health problems after particulate matter pollution. The EPA director advised pastors to well-plan their church construction projects and include noise protection in the plan. The permissible ambient noise, as set by the EPA for residential areas, should not exceed 55 decibels during the day and 48 decibels at night.
Apostle Dr Dela Quampah, the vice chairman of the GPCC, stated that ignorance of the law is no excuse and that the church must submit to authority and comply with EPA regulations. He urged the church to maintain political neutrality and avoid sowing discord among congregants. The stakeholders appealed to the EPA to put a human face to the 18-month renewable deadline period and reduce its charges for defaulting members.
BNN Breaking.
