The Ga Traditional Council (GTC) yesterday announced the annual ban on drumming and noisemaking in Ga Mashie from May 12 to June 12, 2025.
The month-long ban prohibits clapping of hands, placement of loudspeakers outside church premises and mosques, roadside evangelism, use of megaphones, loud speakers, tambourines and other musical instruments both outside and indoors during the period.
It forms part of customary rites leading to the celebration of Homowo Festival.
The president of the Ga Dangme Council, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, therefore, implored the general public to abide by the regulations to ensure “peace, harmony and security” within the Ga Traditional Area.
Announcing this at a press conference in Accra, Nii Otoo highlighted that since the festival was not celebrated on the same date throughout the Ga State, the Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram and Ningo traditional areas would announce separate bans after June 12, 2025 for specific periods.
This, he urged residents within these traditional areas to look out for their dates and comply accordingly.
According to him, the customary practices were legally recognised in the 1992 Constitution under Article 11(3), which upholds and protects the country’s customary laws and cultural practices.
Additionally, he said the constitution acknowledged customary law as an “essential part of the country’s legal system,” adding that, Article 26(1) guarantees the rights of communities to preserve and practice their cultural heritage.
“This ban is a sacred tradition observed to maintain peace, solemnity, and spiritual reflection as the Ga people prepare for Homowo, a festival that commemorates resilience, unity, and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest,” he noted.
To ensure full compliance, Nii Otoo said all worship centres should confine their activities within their premises, positioning of loud speakers outside church premises and mosques was banned during the period.
He said those who violate the laws on the ban on drumming and noise making would be dealt with accordingly, having their items seized and brought to the Council.
He appealed to the public, especially religious organisations, to obey the law, saying “Obedience is better than sacrifice”.
The press conference was attended by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru, members of the GTC, queen mothers, paramount chiefs, chief priests and priestesses and other dignitaries.
BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA
