"All religious activities should be confined within your premises" – Ga Traditional Council announces ban on drumming and noise making

The Ga Traditional Council (GTC) has directed that all religious activities be confined within their premises as part of the annual ban on drumming and noise-making within the Ga State.

The ban will take effect from May 12 to June 11, 2025.

The month-long ban, which forms part of the customary rites leading to the celebration of the Homowo Festival, prohibits the use of loudspeakers outside church premises and mosques, roadside evangelism, clapping of hands, tambourines, megaphones, and other musical instruments both indoors and outdoors during the period.

Announcing the ban at a press conference in Accra, the President of the Ga Damgbe Council, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, emphasized that religious organisations must restrict their activities to their designated premises.

He stressed that the use of loudspeakers outside churches and mosques is strictly forbidden.

“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,” Nii Otoo stated.

He reminded the public that the ban is legally recognized under the 1992 Constitution, citing Article 11(3), which upholds and protects customary laws and cultural practices.

Article 26(1) further guarantees the rights of communities to preserve and practice their cultural heritage.

Nii Otoo noted that since the Homowo Festival is not celebrated on the same date across the Ga State, traditional areas such as Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram, and Ningo will announce separate bans after June 12, 2025.

He urged residents within these areas to comply with the specific dates.

He warned that individuals or groups who violate the ban would have their items seized and face sanctions from the council.

“Obedience is better than sacrifice,” he cautioned, appealing to religious leaders and the general public to respect the regulations.

The press conference was attended by the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru, members of the GTC, Queen mothers, Paramount chiefs, Chief priests, Priestesses, and other dignitaries.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith