BBC Journalist Umaru Fofana Warns of Health Risks from Rising Noise Pollution in Freetown

BBC journalist Umaru Fofana has voiced strong criticism regarding the escalating noise pollution in Freetown and the perceived indifference of local authorities towards addressing the issue.

Fofana’s comments highlight a growing concern over the impact of excessive noise on public health.

In a recent observation, Fofana noted the increasing prevalence of street vendors using loud, prerecorded advertisements from megaphones, a trend he finds alarming.

“I just saw a groundnut seller with a prerecorded audio advert blaring nonstop from a megaphone, as she walked past my residence,” Fofana remarked, describing it as a first for him. He expressed frustration over the widespread use of such devices by street traders, both mobile and stationary, and the intrusive noise from welding shops in densely populated residential areas.

Fofana’s commentary draws attention to research from Harvard Medicine, which links noise pollution to various health issues, including hearing loss, tinnitus, cardiovascular disease, and sleep disturbances. The research also suggests potential connections to mental health problems, such as memory impairment and attention deficits, as well as developmental delays in children and low birth weight. Ongoing studies are exploring possible links to dementia.

Fofana warns that the increasing use of megaphones by street vendors and the persistent noise from welding activities pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as newborns.

He argues that these conditions, which contribute to a range of health problems, are either being ignored or misattributed to other causes. His remarks call for urgent action from authorities to address noise pollution and protect public health in Freetown.