Following a restriction, all forms of noise-making including drumming in Accra would be prohibited as of May 15, 2023. This comes ahead of the Ga people's preparations for the 2023 Homowo celebration. The restriction prohibits the use of loudspeakers, drums, burial customs, and roadside evangelism, among other things. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) declared this in a statement, adding that the Ghana Police Service and Traditional Council Representatives with tags are the only authorised personnel to implement the prohibition throughout the metropolis. The AMA further urged all to comply with the directive accordingly during the period. Earlier, the Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey had noted that the Regional Security Council will ensure strict adherence to the ban within the region.
Below is an earlier statement from the AMA:
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) desires to remind all people within its authority that the ban on drumming and noise-making would be in effect from Monday, May 15, to Thursday, June 15, 2023. As a result, in the interests of peace, harmony, and national security, it has established the following guidelines:
1. During the period of the ban, churches are expected to carry out their activities within their premises and refrain from the use of musical instruments.
2. The positioning of loudspeakers outside the premises of churches, mosques, and pubs are banned. Roadside evangelists are to cease their activities during this period.
3. Religious bodies and the Traditional Authorities must show respect for one another and restrain their followers from making derogatory and inflammatory remarks about the beliefs and practices of one another.
4. Other guidelines by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) include a ban on funeral rites and their related activities.
5. Apart from an identifiable task force that consists of AMA personnel, the Ghana Police Service, and Representatives from the Traditional Councils with tags, no other person or group of persons should be seen or found enforcing the abatement of noise in the metropolis.
By this notice, we entreat all persons, towns, and villages within the Ga Traditional Area to cooperate and comply with the directive accordingly during this period.
