The Ga Traditional Council has declared a month-long ban on drumming and noise-making, set to run from Monday, May 12 to Thursday, June 12, 2025, as the Ga people prepare for the annual Homowo Festival.
The directive, signed by His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, calls for strict adherence to this cultural practice, which is considered a period of spiritual cleansing and reflection.
The ban, deeply rooted in Ga tradition, is observed to create an atmosphere of peace and reverence in the lead-up to Homowo—a celebration that honors the resilience of the Ga people and expresses gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
In a statement, the Council reminded the public that this ban is not merely a cultural preference but a legally protected practice under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Specifically, Article 11(3) recognizes customary law as part of the national legal framework, while Article 26(1) guarantees the rights of all communities to preserve and practice their cultural heritage.
The Council also provided clear guidelines for the period, including:
-
Restricting all religious activities to enclosed premises.
-
Prohibiting hand clapping, the use of tambourines, drums, and other musical instruments.
-
Banning the use of loudspeakers outside church and mosque premises.
-
Halting roadside evangelism and open-air preaching.
-
Suspending funeral activities until one week after the ban is lifted, resuming on June 20, 2025.
To ensure compliance, a task force has been formed in partnership with REGSEC, the Ghana Police Service, and various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to monitor adherence and enforce the ban where necessary.
The Council emphasized that the ban is a vital component of the Ga people’s cultural identity, serving as a reminder of the importance of respect, unity, and spiritual renewal in their society.
“Let us honor our traditions, preserve our cultural heritage, and work together to maintain peace and mutual respect during this sacred period,” the statement urged.
The Ga Traditional Council further noted that other GaDangme communities, including Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram, and Ningo, will announce their own bans in the weeks following June 12, in line with their respective timelines for celebrating Homowo.
As the ban takes effect, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to observe the regulations and support the Ga people in preserving one of their most cherished cultural practices.
