"Noise pollution is disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life. The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines and transportation systems, motor vehicles, aircrafts, and trains.
High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans, a rise in blood pressure, and an increase in stress and vasoconstriction, and an increased incidence of coronary artery disease. In animals, noise can increase the risk of death by altering predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with reproduction and navigation, and contribute to permanent hearing loss".
Lately, most preacher men in Ghana have taken to market places and streets as their hub for serious evangelism. They are seen at Lapaz, Nkrumah Circle, Kaneshie and other areas. Preaching the Word of God is good - for our salvation depends entirely on it, no doubt about that. Where then has these "men of God" been faulty? The answer is clear: their medium of communication - using high pitched microphones, megaphones and speakers that produces deafening sounds.
It is expected that man's hustling and bustling, and selling of goods and services in such environments though generating much noise, must or can be reduced or for the better controlled to the barest minimum. However, the shouts from market sellers to persuade buyers, loud and low songs played by music shops, accompanied with the high sounds emanating from stationed speakers by preacher men, all make the atmosphere unnecessarily noisy. Yet no one dares to question or raise concerns about this "ill practice" and for their own peace of mind. They seem to enjoy it after all!
It is not everyone who loves to live in environments polluted with noise. Most people often feel agitated and uncomfortable. And the worse of it, they begin to lose concentration or focus on important issues/events. A constant and frequent exposure to unfavourable, excessive and loud noise from high pitched microphones, megaphones and speakers used (mostly) by preacher men in market places, near homes (often at dawn times) and streets, adversely affects our health particularly with our hearing ability. But since these defects usually occur gradually its impact though sure to manifest, is quite unnoticeable.
Emphatically speaking people who live in serene conditions and environments are more receptive to details from a higher Cosmic Mind and their subconscious mind being well developed to undertake and solve daily matters.
Serenity brings absolute peace of mind and inspiration through meditation, a rare knowledge known to most Westerners but hardly practiced by Ghanaians.
The fact of is: Noise disrupts our focus and thought process on important issues/events. In the tropics, like Ghana, where the weather often gets warmer, talking too much and making unhealthy noises everywhere only adds to the heat we've already been experiencing. Preacher men must "from now on" learn to control their voice level. Mild and soft utterances enters the heart and is accepted by it rather than a loud or harsh one.
Noise can be very destructive so we must all learn to reduce or control its production ... It must for the better stop.
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