The Government of Ghana has announced plans to introduce a Legislative Instrument (LI) that will set rules to regulate noise pollution across the country. The announcement was made by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, who said the proposed instrument aims to protect the public from excessive noise and enforce acceptable sound levels.
Mr Ayariga, who represents the Bawku Central Constituency and leads the Majority in Parliament, explained that the new rules would give legal force to sound level limits and ensure that authorities can take action against sources of harmful noise. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the impact of noise pollution, especially in urban areas where loud music, traffic, industrial activities, and other disturbances are common.
Noise pollution, which refers to unwanted or harmful sound that can affect human health and quality of life, has become a growing concern in many cities. Current laws give institutions like the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) the mandate to manage environmental problems, including noise, but enforcement has often been weak or inconsistent.
Experts say that setting clear legal limits for permissible noise levels and giving enforcement bodies the tools to act will help address public complaints and protect citizens from the negative effects of prolonged exposure to loud sounds. This may include penalties for violations by individuals, businesses, or entertainment venues that exceed acceptable decibel levels.
The planned Legislative Instrument is expected to outline standards for residential, commercial, and industrial areas, define enforcement responsibilities, and strengthen monitoring efforts. Parliament will review the proposal before it can take effect as part of Ghana’s environmental protection framework.
