Features
When laws do not work …is there justification for abnegation of responsibility? (Final part)
Section 5 of the Bye-laws bans the playing of any recorded music for the purpose of advertising as it constitutes a public nuisance. Under section 6, no operator of a night club, restaurant or drinking bar or entertainment spot is allowed to play music in such a way as to cause public nuisance to the residents. The section emphasises that any music played in such a place must only be heard within the confines of the place.
Section 7 requires that music must be played “at reasonable pitch up to midnight,” during a wake or party. By operation of section 8 music played during church services must not be so loud as to cause nuisance to the public and residents. Written permission is to be obtained from the Assembly whenever music is to be played before 6am and after 12 p.m. during a religious service. Music played through public address systems in religious institutions or in entertainment halls must be confined to such places.
Ultimately, religious, commercial, educational, industrial or entertainment facilities sited in residential areas should limit their noise levels to conform to the prescriptions of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Users of generators are even expected to reduce the noise level so as not to cause nuisance to the neighbours. Contravention of any of the Bye- laws shall on summary conviction draw fines of not less than 50 penalty units or terms of imprisonment of four months or more. Both punishments could also be imposed.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
The Environmental Protection Agency is mandated by Act 490 of 1994 to carry out informative, enforcement and regulatory functions. The agency is to collaborate with Local Assemblies, other state and non- state actors to embark on systematic programmes of formal and non- formal education in order to create awareness of the importance of the field to economic and social life.
To ensure that the levels, intensity and quality of noise in the environment are controlled, the Agency serves notice and warnings on persons or organisations in breach of relevant laws and regulations. Ignoring the notices and warnings could result in arrests and prosecutions. The sector minister may even authorise the use of force to exact compliance.
The Agency has further leverage on noise disturbance through the issuing of permits for the siting within residential areas of facilities like factories, businesses, schools, houses of worship, drinking bars, night clubs and entertainment venues in such manner that residents will not be disturbed or inconvenienced by their activities.
Of particular importance is meeting the requirements of the Environmental Permit Assessment Regulations, 1999 (L I 1652). Environmental Assessment reports must be obtained before Environmental Permits are issued. The conditions are stringent and permits are renewable yearly, subject to due observance of the conditions in the course of the preceding year.
On the ground, the processes are often not followed through with the result that our residential areas have become cauldrons of noise making. Presumably the Agency is hampered by the human and logistical constraints it has always complained about. It has become normal for set- ups which do not have the requisite permits from the Environmental Protection Agency to continue to operate in the communities.
This is one institution with sound appreciation of the effects of unbridled noise making on life and recently it had to warn Ghanaians about the negative effect of excessive noise making on student performance. The due performance of its role would greatly enhance the prospects of quietude in our communities.
MEASUREMENT OF NOISE
It appears that the greatest hindrance to the handling of noise- related cases by both the Police and the Environmental Health and Sanitation Departments of the Assemblies is the introduction of Guidelines for Measuring the Ambient Noise Levels by the Environmental Protection Agency. The impression is that every noise- related complaint requires measurement and since the Agency itself does not have adequate stock of the measuring devices for its field offices, there can be no prosecution of persons who commit noise- related offences.
The reality is that some noise related offences like lack of Environmental Permits where required, absence of operational permits issued by Assemblies before commencing business or not having the written permission of an Assembly before embarking on a public activity which involves noise making between 8pm and 6am, do not require the measurement of noise. So would arresting without warrant any person engaging in noise disturbance on premises so as to disturb neighbours. A real paralysis of enforcement would result if the law is to be construed this way.
If the Police and the Environmental Health and Sanitation Departments of the Assemblies believe noise measurement is absolutely necessary in particular circumstances, they should approach the Environmental Protection Agency which has the statutory duty to compile the Environmental Reports they require to facilitate successful prosecution.
The Agency is forthcoming even in civil cases like the epoch- making suit involving two Haatso-based churches. Here, the learned judge relied upon the report of the Environmental Protection Agency to make a finding that the noise level the two churches made “was excessive and violated the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency.”
A take away from the decision in that case was the award of damages against the Assembly for recklessly violating the rights of the plaintiffs by granting permission to the churches to operate in a residential area without regard to the interests of the residents.
The Daily Graphic had hoped that “the judgement will not only serve as a reference point for such cases in future but also empower citizens to use the courts to address issues of noise- making.” Recourse to the courts is, however, not necessary when it is the duty of statutory institutions to provide such services at no further expense to the tax- payer.
We all know that at the root of our development problems is our reluctance to enforce laws and regulations which have been painstakingly crafted and enacted after much exertion and considerable financial expense. We tend to admire advanced societies when the only difference between us is our varying approaches to governance.
The tragedy of our underdevelopment remains the abhorrent attitude of public officials who totally abnegate their responsibilities and their administrative and political supervisors who also fail to ensure such officials are punished for non-performance.
Now that some degree of attention is being paid to its Siamese twin, sanitation, it is the expectation that our political and administrative authorities would offer determined leadership to seriously address a phenomenon which is imperceptibly contributing to conditions like cardio- thoracic diseases, diabetes, aborted foetuses, neurosis and hearing loss.
The author is the former Director General
of Ghana Prisons Service
By William K. Asiedu
Features
Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS
The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.
The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.
Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.
Understanding the brain’s melting point
The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.
This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).
The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.
How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point
BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:
1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.
3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.
Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:
1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.
2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.
3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.
Real-World applications of BOS
BOS has various real-world applications:
1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.
2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.
3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.
Conclusion
BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.
Glossary:
1. BOS: Brain Operating System.
2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.
3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.
Contact Information
virginvtech@yahoo.com
Additional resources:
1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.
2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.
3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.
Future directions
As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:
1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.
2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.
3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.
By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Lotto wahala and Tuobodom palaver
In Sikaman lotto is not a game. It is a profession, a noble career which people aspire to. It is the highest paying profession after armed robbery and the most widespread job on this side of the Atlantic.
In places like China, lotto is a disease that has no cure. Once you are infected, no doctor on earth can cure you. May be Kofi Larteh, Ghana’s most celebrated magician, can help ease the symptoms, but no definitive cure will be forthcoming.
Coming back to Sikaman, lotto has been the financial messiah of many. That is how people look after their large families, pay school fees, marry two wives and do their own ‘monkey things.’
If you are very poor and you win a lottery, chances are that you will die before you even collect the money. You’ll die out of excitement or you’ll start day-dreaming in the streets and an articulated truck will hit you.
As such, very heavy wins are not recommended for poor people, lest they get listed too soon in the obituary columns.
The sad story is told of a heavy-duty caterpillar driver who had a very heavy lotto windfall of several millions, his first big win after several years.
CATERPILLAR
He was driving the caterpillar home when he saw his son running towards him, shouting. “All your numbers have dropped! All your numbers have dropped! He could not believe his ears.
All the four numbers he had staked had dropped and his son, who had gone to stake them for him, was himself over-excited. The poor caterpillar man just could not handle the good news. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and the caterpillar jolted him a trifle too violently, throwing him off. He landed right in front of the still moving heavy-duty machine and it crushed him flat.
I don’t think the bloke would have died if he had won a smaller amount. Sometimes too much cash is not good for the health.
Seldom, people get too confident and that can also result in a wake-keeping, like that of a man who used his lifetime savings and borrowed extra money to crack the machine with a two-sure that the compiler must compulsory drop or the world will end.
Even the shadows of the numbers or their counterparts were nowhere near the winning numbers. His shock-absorbers crumbled under the weight of the heavy disappointment. He crashed to the floor and started foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest clinic.
WINDFALL
Recently, there was a countrywide lotto windfall, and in Kumasi it was more than a festival. Most stakers had between ¢30m and ¢40 million on two-sure that the lotto magicians had predicted at least three weeks earlier,
Kejetia chop bars were besieged with overnight millionaires, carrying huge appetites induced by Opeimu Bitters popularly called Opeimu Peters. All the meat and mudfish got sold out within an hour and procurement agents had to double up to restock.
While some were celebrating, others were weeping and gnashing teeth. The problem was that, three weeks beforehand, the two sure numbers were declared by all the lotto sorcerers, dreamers, magicians, tellers and all the self-appointed and self-promoted forecasters.
Everybody including 10-year-olds, who staked and lost. The following week, they were advised to continue staking. The faithful did continue but the faithless stopped. All of them lost. In the third week or so, a good number of confident stakers had lost faith in the two numbers. That was when the number landed.
So the windfall was for only those who had the unshakeable faith in the numbers. See what faith can do? It can move dollars. Don’t waver, so saith the holy scriptures.
The faithless indeed gnashed teeth. The winners on the other hand celebrated with a song that is as controversial as the business of lotto. It is a song played by the group called Nkasei and has something to do with a town in the Brong Ahafo Region called Tuobodom whose capital we hear is Jinijini.
I hear it is a derogatory song and the queen mother of Tuobodom got charged and breathed out electric current during her protest on air. She allegedly ended up demanding a mobile phone from Nkasei so that she could communicate with them to settle the matter peacefully, lest wahala.
Well, the song is rising up the charts and Nkasei are making the dough, but should it be at the expense of a whole townsfolk, their forebears and generations to come?
WATERPROOF
Waterproof, the famous comedian, was allegedly given hefty slaps at the Kumasi rail station by some Frafra jingoists who felt he was deriding their tribe. And Bob Okala had to run with his tail between his legs when he was confronted and realised that slaps were going to be visited on his lean face.
Let’s not use words and lyrics to cause discomfort to others.
This article was first published on Saturday July 9, 2005
