The Ga Traditional Council has imposed a ban on drumming and noise-making in the Ga State, this is according to a statement late Tuesday.
The statement signed by His Royal Majesty (HRM) King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, and President of The Ga Traditional Council observed that the ban, which commences on Monday, 12th May to Thursday, 12th June 2025, forms part of customary rites leading to the celebration of the Homowo Festival.
“The Ga Traditional Council hereby informs the general public that, as part of the customary rites leading to the celebration of the annual Homowo Festival, there will be a ban on drumming and noise-making within the jurisdiction of the Ga State from Monday, 12th May to Thursday, 12th June 2025,” said the statement.
According to the Ga Traditional Council, the ban is a sacred tradition observed to maintain peace, solemnity, and spiritual reflection as the Ga people prepare for Homowo Festival.
The statement reminded the public that the customary practice is legally recognized under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, hence urged all within the jurisdiction to comply.
Several measures, including directing churches to confine their activities within their premises, clapping of hands, the use of tambourines, and other musical instruments, are prohibited during this period.
The rest are the ban on positioning of loudspeakers outside the church premises and mosques during the period, roadside evangelism, as well as the use of megaphones and other loudspeakers.
Also, funeral rites and their related activities have also been banned during this period for a week after the lifting of the official ban.
The Ga Traditional Council announced that a task force working with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and various Metropolitan, Municipal, District Assemblies has been deployed to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and the other Security Agencies to monitor adherence and address any violations and prosecute culprits who fail to comply with the ban.
The statement urged members of the public to respect the cultural practice of the Ga Traditional Council. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the statement of the Ga Traditional Council below:
PUBLIC NOTICE: BAN ON DRUMMING AND NOISE MAKING
The Ga Traditional Council hereby informs the general public that, as part of the customary rites leading to the celebration of the annual Homowo Festival, there will be a ban on drumming and noise-making within the jurisdiction of the Ga State from Monday, 12th May to Thursday, 12th June 2025.
Please note that as part of GaDangme custom, since Homowo is not celebrated on the same date throughout the Ga State, the Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram, and Ningo traditional areas will announce separate bans after 12th June 2025 for specific periods. So, residents within those traditional areas are advised to look out for their dates and comply accordingly.
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.
The public is reminded that this customary practice is legally recognized under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which upholds and protects Ghanaian customary law and cultural practices. Specifically, Article 11(3) of the Constitution acknowledges customary law as an essential part of Ghana’s legal system, while Article 26(1) guarantees the right of communities to preserve and practice their cultural heritage.
To ensure full compliance, the following measures will be enforced:
- All worship centers should confine their activities within their church premises.
- Noise-making making including clapping of hands, the use of tambourines and other
musical instruments, are prohibited during this period. - The positioning of loudspeakers outside the church premises and mosques is banned during this period.
- Roadside evangelism and the use of megaphones and other loudspeakers should also be totally avoided during this period.
- Funeral rites and its related activities are also banned during this period to a week
after the lifting of the Official Ban. Meaning funerals can take place from Friday, 20th of June, 2025.
A task force working with REGSEC and various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies has been deployed to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and the other Security Agencies to monitor adherence and address any violations and prosecute culprits who fail to comply with the ban.
We urge all residents, visitors, and institutions to respect this cultural practice, as it fosters social harmony and mutual respect within our diverse society.
We appreciate the cooperation of all as we observe this significant tradition.
Let us work together to uphold our heritage and maintain peace.
Signed
HRM King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II
Ga Mantse and President of
Ga Traditional Council
