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The EPA in the Volta Region has announced plans to close churches that are operating without the required permit. Hope Smith Lomotey, the Director of EPA in the region, stated the clampdown has become necessary because of some churches’ failure to comply with the regulations of operating a church under the EPA’s standards. While some churches have the required permits to operate in allowed areas, they have failed to renew them.
Lomotey explained that the impending exercise would also address complaints from residents about excessive noise by churches operating in unauthorized locations, especially at night. Some establishments, including churches, restaurants, and event centers, are guilty of flouting regulations by producing loud sounds that cause a nuisance to the public.
According to the Ghana Standards Authority and the EPA, the permissible ambient noise in residential areas should not exceed 55 decibels (dB) during the day and 48dB at night. Lomotey stated some churches establish themselves before applying for regularisation, which is not in line with the required process.
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Source: Omanghana.com
