Street Preachers take over Kumasi Central Business District ahead of X’mas 15-12-11

The central business district of the Ashanti Regional Capital, Kumasi has been invaded by street preachers.

The phenomenon which has persisted for some time now appears to have become more pronounced as Christmas approaches.

Observers however wonder whether these are genuine propagators of the gospel or glorified beggars who are polluting the environment of the same people they take money in the name of offertory.

They are everywhere, especially, areas with a high concentration of human traffic; Adum, Asafo Neoplan Station, Kejetia and other places.

The supposed messengers of the gospel, male and female, sometimes clash aggressively over space considered strategic to attract the compassionate.

They mount huge public address systems at vantage points on pavement with long electrical cables stretching across streets.

Pedestrians are sometimes entangled by the cable, with the attendant danger of electrocution or at best falling.

Noise pollution according to experts is one of the most hazards of modern times because it invades our personal spaces in ways which are difficult to define. 

Government and other regulatory bodies over the years have made some attempt to address the menace but it appears their efforts have not been enough.

The noise from the loud speakers used by the preachers for music and sermons is unbearable to the same people they target.

As few of them genuinely preach the gospel, many are those who have become professional beggars with choices.

 Most of them put a figure to how much they expect assers-by to pay as offertory.

Residents are unsure how to deal with what many believe is a nuisance. While some think they should be ignored others call for immediate measures to regulate their activities.

Principal Environmental Officer in charge of Noise at KMA, Isaac Bassanyin, says the assembly is in the process of registering all potential noise makers.   

If this preaching palaver is done right and, more particularly, in the right location, perhaps we can turn this subject into a niche attraction.

After all, the Bible says in Isaiah 32 verse 18, that my people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings and in a quiet resting place.

End                                                                                                                                                        Story: Kofi Asante Ennin