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
Who knows tomorrow?
Recently a friend posted a sad news on his Facebook page, announcing the death of a school mate who had passed away, suddenly. The report had it that he was on his way to the airport to take a flight to Ghana.
I am sure this man had already informed the wife or a friend or a work colleague at work that he was returning home but he was not to return as a human being but as a dead body.
Such is life and so we need to be circumspect in how we go about things in life. The Bible reminds us that we are like grass which at one point in time looks elegant and the next moment becomes withered according to Psalm 90:5 and 6. It is for this reason that we need to guard our hearts with the word of God so that we shall be motivated to do the right thing, at all times.
This will enable us live on this planet, free from all sorts of troubles in our personal lives, even if we ignore the question of Heaven and Hell. Living a disciplined life delivers us from any kind of trouble as the Bible declares in Galatians 5:23 that against such there is no law.
The uncertainty surrounding our lives on earth is the more reason why people should commit their lives into the hands of the one who created it, in the first place unless you believe that the world created itself and that it appeared from nowhere.
Otherwise, the logical thing to do is to recognize the authority of the creator and surrender to his Lordship. Heaven is real and Hell is real, so for us who know the truth and have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the onus lies on us to encourage our relations who have not believed and received Jesus into their lives, to do so.
We are a couple of days from another Easter Resurrection celebration and an opportunity to reflect on our lives in relation to the significance of Easter. In the Bible, the only occasion Jesus, Saviour of the world commands us to celebrate is his death and resurrection.
He never commanded his followers to celebrate his birth but like everything else, we chose to ignore Jesus’s instructions and decided to do what pleases us, just like our forefather and mother in the Garden of Eden.
Let us deliberately choose to do things differently as Christians this Easter, so we can really benefit from all the blessings that the celebration of the death and birth of Jesus, has on offer. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is definitely insanity.
I choose to be different this Easter and I am believing God for a newness of life so God’s glory would be revealed in me to draw the unsaved to him. It is only when people especially the unsaved, see the character of Christ in us, that they can be convinced about the authenticity of Jesus, as Saviour of the world, who can bring transformation in their lives too.
This is what would motivate them to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Let us make this Easter a memorable one that will be cherished for a long time. It is also a period for reconciliation and it would be great if in the spirit of Easter, we would try to reach out to those who have wronged us or have a grudge against us.
This would demonstrate that we have indeed accepted Jesus and that our religious posture is not a sham. May the good Lord grant us the grace to love our neighbours as ourselves, demonstrating the love of God in the process.
Those who have lost their loved ones and Easter brings sad memories, may the good Lord comfort and strengthen you. God bless.
.NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Features
Cosmetic deformities
COSMETIC deformities refer to physical imperfections or abnormalities that affect an individual’s appearance, often causing emotional distress and impacting their quality of life.
These deformities can be congenital, acquired, or result from various medical conditions or treatments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cosmetic deformities, their types, causes, effects, and treatment options.
Types of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can affect various parts of the body, including the face, skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Some common types of cosmetic deformities include:
1. Facial deformities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities affecting the shape, structure, or appearance of the face, such as cleft lip and palate, facial paralysis, or facial asymmetry.
2. Skin deformities: Conditions affecting the skin’s texture, tone, or appearance, such as acne, scars, birthmarks, or skin discoloration.
3. Hair deformities: Abnormalities affecting the hair’s growth, texture, or appearance, such as alopecia, hirsutism, or hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
4. Nail deformities: Conditions affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the nails, such as nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail trauma.
5. Dental deformities: Abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or malocclusion.
Causes of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can result from various factors, including:
1. Genetics: Congenital conditions or inherited traits can cause cosmetic deformities.
2. Trauma: Injuries or accidents can result in cosmetic deformities, such as scars or facial trauma.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, can cause cosmetic deformities.
4. Treatments and procedures: Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can result in cosmetic deformities.
5. Aging and environmental factors: Aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors can contribute to cosmetic deformities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots.
Effects of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, including:
1. Low self-esteem: Cosmetic deformities can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem.
2. Social anxiety: Individuals with cosmetic deformities may experience social anxiety, avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed in public.
3. Emotional distress: Cosmetic deformities can cause emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or stress.
4. Impact on quality of life: Cosmetic deformities can affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting their relationships, career, or overall well-being.
Treatment options for cosmetic deformities
Various treatment options are available to address cosmetic deformities, including:
1. Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, or dermatological surgery, can correct or improve cosmetic deformities.
2. Non-surgical treatments: Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, can address cosmetic concerns, such as skin texture, tone, or appearance.
3. Medical treatments: Medical treatments, such as topical creams, oral medications, or injectable treatments, can address cosmetic concerns, such as acne, hair loss, or nail deformities.
4. Prosthetic and orthotic devices: Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as wigs, hairpieces, or dental prosthetics, can help individuals with cosmetic deformities.
5. Counselling and therapy: Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cosmetic deformities.
Conclusion
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding the types, causes, and effects of cosmetic deformities is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Various treatment options are available, ranging from surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, medical treatments, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and counselling and therapy.
By seeking professional help and support, individuals with cosmetic deformities can improve their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Reference
1. “Cosmetic Deformities” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
