EPA Urges Public to Visit Hospitals to Check Their Ears After Christmas Noise Exposure

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the Ashanti Region has raised fresh concerns over the growing menace of noise pollution, describing it as a “silent killer” with serious health, social and economic consequences.

Speaking in an interview with Kwame Tanko on the Ghana Se Sen Show, the Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Dr. Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, urged residents—particularly those living near pubs, clubs and other entertainment hubs—to visit health facilities to have their ears checked following the intense Christmas and New Year festivities.

According to Dr. Nyantakyi, the just-ended yuletide season recorded widespread noise pollution across communities, fueled by social gatherings, religious activities and nightlife entertainment.

“During the yuletide, a lot of noise pollution went on. Anyone who has been exposed to excessive noise often ends up shouting even during normal conversations. That is one of the early signs that something is wrong,” he explained.

When Sound Becomes Noise

Dr. Nyantakyi clarified that not all sound is harmful, but anything that interferes with normal conversation qualifies as noise and must be regulated.

He stressed that noise pollution goes beyond mere annoyance, warning that its effects cut across health, social life and economic productivity.

“Noise has social, economic and health impacts. It affects concentration, productivity, hearing ability and even mental health. That is why we call it a silent killer,” he said.

Major Sources of Noise Pollution

The EPA Regional Director identified several common sources of excessive noise in the Ashanti Region, particularly during festive seasons:

• Overcrowded social areas, where heightened excitement leads to uncontrolled sound levels

• Pubs and nightclubs, especially in residential zones

• Religious activities, including church services and open-air preaching

• Street pastors, whom he clarified he is not opposed to in terms of preaching, but cautioned against excessive noise

• Funeral activities, noting that noise levels often escalate after 6:00 pm, when music and traffic congestion (“jams”) intensify

“We are not against preaching or funerals. These are part of our culture and religious life. But when the noise pollution aspect is ignored, it becomes a problem for public health,” Dr. Nyantakyi emphasized.

EPA to Intensify Public Education and Enforcement

Dr. Nyantakyi indicated that the EPA will intensify public education campaigns and enforcement of noise regulations, urging communities to cooperate in protecting public health.

He appealed to event organizers, religious bodies, entertainment operators and community leaders to respect permissible noise levels and adhere strictly to EPA regulations.

“We all have a responsibility to protect our environment and our health. Noise pollution may be invisible, but its damage is real,” he warned.