The Ga Traditional Council (GTC) has declared that the annual ban on drumming and noisemaking throughout the Ga State would start on May 12 and run through June 12, 2025.
During the month-long ban, people are not allowed to clap their hands, put loudspeakers outside of mosques and churches, evangelize on the side of the road, use megaphones, loud speakers, tambourines, or other musical instruments indoors or outdoors.
The Ga Traditional Council states that because of differences in local customs, some areas—such as Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram, and Ningo—will reveal their precise enforcement dates after June 12. It is recommended that residents in these locations keep informed and adhere to the rules.
Sylvester Parker Allotey, who spoke on behalf of the Ga Traditional Council, explained that the prohibition is a holy custom that enables the Ga people to get spiritually ready for the celebration.
“This ban is a sacred tradition that allows us to prepare spiritually and reflect on our heritage as we approach the Homowo Festival. It’s a time for peace, unity, and quiet reflection before the celebratory festivities begin,” he stated.
For the Ga people, the Homowo Festival is a significant event that honors their victory over famine and shows appreciation for a bountiful harvest.
Before the festive festivities begin, the time of quiet preceding the event is used for introspection.
The 1992 Ghanaian Constitution, which supports the application of customary law and traditional traditions, acknowledges the ban, the Ga Traditional Council reminded the public.
While Article 26(1) of the Constitution ensures that communities have the right to protect their cultural heritage, Article 11(3) recognizes customary law as an essential component of the nation’s legal system.
The Council also thanked the public for cooperating in upholding earlier prohibitions, emphasizing that compliance is essential to preserving the Homowo Festival’s sacredness, which has great cultural significance for the Ga people.
Certain limitations will be in place during the prohibition, such as the need for places of worship to confine their operations to their own grounds.
It will be severely forbidden to make noise, including clapping and the playing of tambourines and other musical instruments.
Furthermore, it will not be permitted to use loudspeakers for highway evangelism or outside of mosques or churches.
Additionally, until one week after the ban is lifted, funeral rites and associated activities will be suspended. Funerals will be allowed to resume on Friday, June 20, 2025.
A task group made up of representatives from the Ghana Police Service, local assemblies, and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) will be keeping an eye on compliance with the mandate.
Anyone found to be in violation of the ban will be subject to legal action.
Source: newsthemegh.com