The ban on drumming and noise-making preceding the Homowo festival in some parts of Accra is expected to take effect from Monday, May 12, to Thursday, June 12, 2025.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, indicated that the directive applies to all residents, communities, and institutions within the Assembly’s jurisdiction.
Some of the affected areas include the location of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Head Office, Gamashie, Ablekuma West and Ngleshie Amanfrom.
The period marks a sacred time of reflection, solemnity, and spiritual preparation leading up to the annual Homowo Festival, which holds deep cultural significance for the Ga community.
“The ban represents a sacred period of solemnity, reflection, and spiritual preparation for the upcoming Homowo Festival,” excerpts of the statement noted.
As part of the enforcement guidelines, churches are to conduct services strictly within their premises without the use of musical instruments.
The use of loudspeakers outside churches, mosques, pubs, and during roadside evangelism is strictly prohibited for the duration of the ban.
The AMA also emphasised the need for tolerance and mutual respect among religious and traditional communities, urging all groups to refrain from making derogatory or inflammatory remarks about each other’s beliefs or practices.
The Ga Traditional Council (GTC), in support of the directive, has also imposed a ban on funeral rites and all related activities during the same period.
Additionally, a designated task force made up of AMA personnel, members of the Ghana Police Service, and accredited representatives from the Traditional Councils, wearing official identification, will patrol various places to ensure full compliance with the directive.
The statement warned that no unauthorised individuals or groups are permitted to enforce the ban without any official identification.
The AMA further called on all residents, including those in towns and villages within the Ga Traditional Area, to comply fully with the directive and contribute to a peaceful and successful observance of the ban this year.
Find the full statement below:
