The Ga Traditional Council has officially declared a one-month ban on drumming and noise-making across the Ga State, beginning Monday, May 12 through Thursday, June 12, 2025.
This long-standing cultural tradition marks a sacred period of reflection and solemnity as the Ga people prepare for the annual Homowo Festival, a celebration of resilience, unity, and thanksgiving.
In a statement signed by Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Council emphasised the spiritual significance of the ban, which is deeply rooted in GaDangme customs and observed to maintain peace as communities spiritually cleanse and ready themselves for the festival.
Residents and institutions have been urged to respect the guidelines. During the period, all religious worship must be conducted indoors without the use of loud musical instruments such as tambourines or drums. External loudspeakers, roadside evangelism, and the use of megaphones are strictly prohibited. Funeral activities are also suspended until a week after the ban is lifted — with funerals permitted to resume from Friday, June 20, 2025.
The Council also clarified that due to varying celebration dates across different GaDangme towns, communities such as Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram, and Ningo will observe their own bans at later dates.
Residents in those areas are advised to stay informed and comply with their respective traditional directives.
To ensure compliance, a task force comprising members of REGSEC, local assemblies, and the Ghana Police Service has been deployed to monitor adherence and prosecute offenders.
The Council underscored that this tradition is backed by Ghana’s Constitution, specifically Articles 11(3) and 26(1), which protect and uphold the rights of communities to observe their cultural heritage.
“We urge all residents, visitors, and institutions to respect this sacred custom. Let us work together to maintain peace, uphold our heritage, and preserve the cultural fabric that binds us,” the Ga Mantse appealed.
