The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) in the Volta Region has disclosed that it will close down churches operating without a permit.
According to the agency, churches are mandated to acquire permits before setting up in specific areas as enforced by the EPA Act 1994 (Act 490).
Director of EPA in the Volta Region, Hope Smith Lomotey, said the move by EPA is due to the failure of some churches to comply with the EPA’s required operating standards.
He noted that the action is also intended to address complaints about churches making excessive noise in unapproved locations, creating a nuisance to residents, particularly at night.
He explained that noise nuisance is any loud, unnecessary or unusual sound or any sound whatsoever that either annoyed, disturbed, injured, endangered, or distracted from the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of any person.
“Some [Churches] have applied for permits, others have not, so we are regularising those who have not.
“But you are supposed to apply, after the application, we check and see if the place is conducive enough for such a facility,” he said.
Mr Lomotey added that some churches are also yet to renew the permits they acquired to operate in authorized areas and for that matter would be affected by EPA’s strict enforcement.
Another group the move seeks to target according to him is drinking spot operators.