Enhancing noise pollution regulation in Accra: A collaborative strategy for compliance

They accused us of breaking the noise ban. They demanded we appear at the palace for restitution. After much pleading and community leaders' intervention, the issue was resolved. Justice was served with mercy.

Every May, the Ga Traditional Council enforces a strict noise ban. This tradition aims to preserve rituals for the Homowo festival. However, enforcing this ban often leads to conflicts. These disputes harm both the Council's reputation and local businesses reliant on music.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana regulates noise pollution nationwide. Under the EPA Act (Act 490), it ensures acceptable noise levels for public health. Yet, enforcing these regulations in Accra is challenging due to unclear standards.

Traditional authorities declare bans on "noise-making" without measurable guidelines. This ambiguity causes confrontations with churches and other institutions. The EPA has technical expertise and decibel standards to address these issues.

A partnership between the EPA and Ga Traditional Council could be beneficial. Both organizations aim to protect Accra’s residents' well-being. The Council preserves cultural heritage during festivals while the EPA safeguards public health year-round.

This collaboration can launch awareness campaigns about noise management. It should clarify EPA's decibel standards in relation to traditional directives. Establishing common ground will help avoid future conflicts.

Joint monitoring mechanisms can ensure compliance with noise regulations during festivals and throughout the year. Capacity-building workshops can equip community members with tools to manage noise challenges effectively.

To improve noise regulation, a grading system can assess venues like churches and bars based on compliance with standards. In preparation for Homowo, trained officials can evaluate noise levels using decibel meters.

A transparent grading system will categorize businesses by their compliance levels. This approach standardizes evaluations and encourages proactive compliance among businesses.

Instead of relying on force, businesses could strive for noise compliance as a goal. Being recognized as compliant by the EPA could become prestigious, motivating adherence to rules willingly.

However, recognition alone may not suffice for profit-driven entities like restaurants or bars. Awards could be linked to tangible benefits like expedited permit renewals or operational incentives.

Once assessments are complete, results can be shared publicly by both organizations. An event could celebrate businesses excelling in maintaining noise regulations, featuring awards presented by chiefs from the Ga Traditional Council.

Categories for recognition might include Best Noise Compliant Church or Restaurant. This acknowledgment promotes community responsibility among stakeholders in maintaining a quieter environment.

Regulatory privileges such as streamlined checks could reinforce award value, making compliance both moral and practical. Addressing Accra's growing noise pollution requires innovative solutions that respect cultural heritage while enhancing urban life quality for all residents.

Wilfred is a Brand Communication Manager at Newmark Group, a Pan-African strategic communication firm that helps brands increase their influence and impact.