The Presiding Judge of Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Sanitation and Motor Court at Abeka, His Worship, Mr. Emmanuel Nana Antwi Barima, has ordered for the arrest of ?open space preachers,? particularly thosewho preach loudly and make noise on pavements, for prosecution.
He said the focus seems to be on churches which make loud noise and drinking spots that use musical instruments to cause noise nuisance in communities.
The judge noted that where one right ends another person?s right starts so those who make excessive noise should know that they disturb their neighbours.
Judge Nana Antwi Barima made these comments when a convict, Mr. Bernard Smith, appeared before him charged with three counts of offences related to noise making.
The charges were non-compliance with notice to reduce noise nuisances and acquiring documents for his drinking bar.
He was also charged with operating a drinking bar without medical certificate and suitability health certificate.
The final and third count is causing excessive noise nuisance with his loud musical instruments. Mr. Smith operates Sunset and Pool Bar at Laterbiokorshie-Accra as a Manager.
He was arrested earlier this year by Environment Health Officers and arraignedbefore the AMA Sanitation and Motor Court.
Initially he pleaded not guilty, and consequently the Judge remanded him in prison custody but the convict sensing danger changed his plea to being guilty of all the charges.
The judge then convicted him and slapped a whopping GH?18,000 fine on him or in default serve 18 months in prison.
The Judge observed that the convict is ?an arrogant and a disrespectful person.?And that was why initially he pleaded not guilty.
The Judge wondered how three lawyers who are complainants in this case would plan to lie against the convict.
The judge noted that Ghana has very good laws but unfortunately implementation is a problem.
The noise level recorded at Sunset and Pool Bar by Prosecutor Linda Kumbuno is 86.2 decibels instead of authorised 48.0 decibels in a residential area as enshrined in EPA Guidelines for noise making.
STORY: BERNARD QUANSON
