The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would hold a durbar to highlight the health hazards associated with noise-making at Kumasi in September. Mr Isaac Osei, Ashanti Regional Director of the Agency, said this has become necessary due to the expansion and intensity of noise nuisance by some individuals and organisations. He was speaking at a day’s stakeholders meeting to share ideas on how to make the planned durbar a success. The meeting was attended by representatives of Christians and Muslims Councils, the media, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Private Road and Transport Union, the Metropolitan Assembly and the Town and Country Planning. Mr Osei noted that noise pollution was now a major challenge in the Metropolis, adding that the EPA was inundated with complaints about excessive noise making especially by churches during watch night prayer sessions. He said the EPA was combining intensive public education with strict enforcement of the law to restore some level of sanity. Mr Osei said the high decibel level people exposed themselves to the cause of ailments such as hearing impairment and hypertension. Mr Paul Akanaba, Metropolitan Environmental Health Officer, said it was time decisive measures were taken to minimise noise making in the Metropolis. Source: GNA/Ghana