The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey has appealed to residents, religious bodies, traditional groups and the general public to fully comply with the ban on drumming and noise-making, which has taken effect in the Ga State.
He said the ban formed part of the customary practices of the Ga State and must be respected by all persons living and working within the affected communities.
The Mayor appealed to citizens on Monday when he spoke about the commencement of the ban and the need for residents to observe the directive peacefully.He said the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo were working together to ensure that the customary law was respected throughout the period.
According to him, the observance of the ban was important in promoting peace, unity and development within the Ga community and the city as a whole adding that the period should not be seen only as a restriction, but also as a time for peace, reflection and prayer for Ghana.He urged the public to avoid drumming, loud music, noise-making and other activities that could disturb the peace during the month.
He said churches, mosques and other religious bodies were also expected to comply with the directive by avoiding the use of drums, loud instruments, microphones and clapping during worship.
He cautioned that the city authorities, in collaboration with the Ga Traditional Council and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, would strictly enforce the directive.He therefore appealed to residents not to defy the ban or engage in activities that could create tension between the public and traditional authorities.
The Mayor said respect for customary laws was necessary for peaceful coexistence, adding that residents must “give Caesar what belongs to Caesar” by observing the directive.The Mayor called on the public to support efforts being made by the Ga Mantse, the Regional Minister and the Assembly to maintain order and protect the peace of the city.
He said the cooperation of residents would help ensure that the ban was observed without confrontation, confusion or unnecessary misunderstanding.
