By Kekeli K. Blamey
Sogakope (V/R), Dec. 23, GNA – The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Sogakope Area Office, has advised the public to observe approved noise regulations during the festive season to ensure public health and community harmony.
Mr Derick Ashia Logo, Area Head of the EPA Sogakope Area Office, said the advice covered religious institutions, entertainment centres, restaurants, eateries, cafés, and households within Sogakope and its surrounding communities.
He said operators of churches, mosques, shrines, pubs, bars, nightclubs, and similar facilities were expected to ensure that noise generated from their activities remained within the permissible limits prescribed under the Ghana Standards for Health Protection – Requirements for Ambient Noise (GS 1222:2018).
Mr Logo said the approved noise levels for residential areas were 55 decibels during the daytime between 6:00 Hours and 22:00 Hours, and 48 decibels at night from 22:00 to 6:00 Hours.
He reminded managers and owners of facilities of the need to operate with valid Environmental Permits, noting that operating without a permit or with an expired one was not permitted.
Mr Logo encouraged operators without valid permits to visit the EPA Sogakope Area Office to regularise their operations.
He said the Authority would continue to engage the public through education and stakeholder collaboration and encouraged residents to report noise-related concerns to their office.
Mr Logo appealed to the public to cooperate with the Authority to help maintain a peaceful and healthy environment during the festive period.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei