Ban On Noise Making To Begin Monday 10 May - Ga Mantse warns of no compromise

The Ga Traditional Council (GTC) in the Greater Accra Region has stated that the annual month-long ban on drumming and noise-making in the Ga State for the year 2021 starts from Monday, May 10, 2021, and would end on June 10, 2021, with the Odadao custom to signify the lifting of the ban.

Following this development, the GTC and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has served notice to the general public that they will deal drastically with any individual or group of persons who will flout this year's directive on the ban on drumming and noise-making in the Accra metropolis.

They stressed that the Police task force will be on guard to ensure that the ban is observed and help prevent clashes between the traditional authorities and other people. He further disclosed that a no-compromise task force of individuals had been constituted to work in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the police service, to monitor and enforce the directive.

The GTC emphasized to the general public that any individual and institution that will flout the rules and regulations governing this year’s festival would be dealt with. 

They pointed out that the general Christian community and traditional authorities must show respect for one another and restrain their followers from making derogatory remarks about the beliefs and practices of the Ga State.

The ban on drumming and noise-making is a very important feature in the activities leading to the celebration of the Homowo Festival by the Ga people.

The period is used to fast and pray for peace, progress and the welfare of the Ga-Dangme people in particular and the country as a whole.

Homowo is celebrated in remembrance of the famine that once happened in the history of the Ga people.

The season of Homowo, the revered traditional festival of the Ga people in Accra, starts with the ritual sowing of corn and yams with the coming of the first rains in early May and ends in late September when the crops are finally harvested.

Right after the ritual sowing, there is a period of quiet and servitude when the benevolence of the spirits, with respect to the growth and harvest of agricultural produce and fish, is solicited.

Meanwhile, in an interview with soireenews, the Paramount King of the Ga State, His Royal Majesty, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru Il stated that it was high time the customs and traditions of the Ga State were respected, just like those of other states in the country.

He reiterated that any church that would disrespect the traditions of the Ga state will not be spared this year.

He added that any item seized as a result of the disregard of the directive, would not be returned as the case used to be.

Ga Mantse also advised all towns and villages within the Ga state that organised their programmes concurrently with the main Odadao custom to desist from that act, cautioning that it would not be tolerated this year.

Freeman Koryekpor Awlesu Greater Accra Regional Correspondent