“Ban on drumming and noise making begins from May 4 to June 4” - Ga Traditional Council

The Ga Traditional Council has formally announced a ban on drumming and noise-making across the Ga State from May 4 to June 4, 2026, as part of preparations for the annual Homowo Festival.

The directive, delivered in Accra by Nii Ayikoi Otoo, President of the Ga-Dangme Council, underscores the importance of preserving the spiritual significance of the period, which precedes one of the most important cultural festivals of the Ga people.

He explained that the ban is intended to create an atmosphere of peace, discipline, and solemn reflection.

During the one-month period, a wide range of activities categorised as noise-making will be prohibited.

These include the use of microphones, clapping, tambourines, drumming, and other musical instruments, particularly during religious services and public gatherings.

Religious bodies—especially churches and other worship centres—have been specifically directed to conduct their activities strictly within their premises.

The use of outdoor loudspeakers, megaphones, and roadside evangelism has been banned, as authorities seek to minimise disruptions within communities.

Although the directive covers the entire Ga State, the Council noted that individual traditional areas such as Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Prampram, and Kpone will announce their respective timelines and modalities after the official commencement date.

To ensure full compliance, a joint task force comprising members of the Regional Security Council and the Ghana Police Service will be deployed across affected areas.

The task force will monitor adherence and enforce the directive, with offenders facing arrest and possible prosecution.

The Council emphasised that the annual ban is not arbitrary but rooted in tradition and safeguarded under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which recognises and protects customary practices and cultural heritage.

Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, issued a strong caution, declaring that authorities will not hesitate to deal decisively with individuals or groups who flout the directive, stressing the need for respect for Ga customs and traditions.

Supporting the directive, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, made it clear that no one will be shielded from the law.

She warned that any person who disregards the ban and is arrested should expect to face the full rigours of the law without political or administrative interference.

Accra Mayor, Michael Nii Kpakpo Allotey, also commended the Ga Traditional Council for what he described as an early and proactive announcement.

According to him, the advance notice gives residents, institutions, and religious bodies ample time to adjust their activities in line with the directive.

He further warned that violators would face the full force of both customary sanctions and state laws.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Nii Kotey Ashie, has appealed to both Muslim and Christian communities to cooperate fully with the directive.

He urged religious leaders and their congregations to demonstrate respect for the traditions of the Ga people by adhering strictly to the ban.

He cautioned that individuals who defy the directive risk being summoned before the Traditional Council and subjected to its sanctions, in addition to any legal consequences imposed by the state.

The Council ultimately called on residents, businesses, and visitors within the Ga State to observe the ban in good faith, stressing that cooperation is essential to maintaining harmony and upholding a long-standing cultural tradition that remains central to the identity of the Ga people.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith