The Eco-Conscious Citizens have submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), requesting the establishment of dedicated telephone numbers to address complaints related to noise pollution.

The coordinator of the group, Awula Serwah, emphasised the need for prompt action by the police service during out-of-office hours when they are the primary on-duty agency.

The petition cited Section 296(8) of the Criminal Offences Act, Act 29, empowering the police to arrest individuals playing music in public between 8 PM and 6 AM without the required written permission. However, the petitioners expressed concern that officers responding to noise complaints after 8 PM often neglect to demand permits or halt the noise nuisance, adversely affecting citizens' quality of life.

In their appeal to the IGP, the group urged the provision of dedicated telephone numbers specifically for reporting noise nuisance complaints. They emphasised the importance of officers taking such complaints seriously, highlighting the impact of excessive noise on citizens' health.

The petition underscored that noise nuisance constitutes a criminal offence, and the enjoyment of the season should not serve as an excuse to violate the law and compromise the well-being of fellow citizens. 

The group particularly criticised the elevated noise levels during the Christmas period, pointing out that businesses can thrive without inflicting noise pollution on patrons and neighbours.

The dangers of noise pollution were outlined in the petition, including its association with high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, stress, and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).

The group stressed the importance of enforcing noise laws to safeguard public health.

Addressing the issue of "passing the buck" among agencies responsible for enforcing noise nuisance laws, the petition called for effective collaboration between the police, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Municipal Assemblies. 

The Eco-Conscious Citizens appealed to the IGP to ensure the consistent enforcement of noise laws, ensuring a peaceful yuletide season free from noise pollution for all Ghanaians,