Urban Noise Pollution in Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana: Implications for Public Health and Quality of Life

Abstract

This study focused on urban noise pollution in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana, examining its implications for public health and quality of life. Five submetropolitan areas: Subin, Bantama, Manhyia North, Manhyia South and Nhyiaeso were selected to represent different neighbourhood types: commercial, residential and mixed-use zones. Ambient noise levels were monitored using a JD-801A sound level meter. Generally, the noise level ranged between 51.86 and 82.87 dB. Manhyia South recorded the highest average noise, ranging from 58.65 to 82.87 dB, and Nhyiaeso recorded the lowest, ranging from 51.86 to 74.83 dB. Commercial areas had the highest noise levels due to overcrowded areas, traders and purchasers, deafening noise from public address systems, and overwhelming honking from vehicles. The study also revealed average noise levels across all five submetros significantly exceeded the WHO 2018 Environmental Noise Guidelines, posing a potential health threat, including cardiovascular diseases, sleep disruption and cognitive impairment. The findings emphasised the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, spatial noise planning and community-based noise mitigation strategies under the oversight of the EPA Ghana.