His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional CouncilThe Ga Traditional Council has officially announced a ban on drumming and noise making within the Ga State from Monday, May 12 to Thursday, June 12, 2025, as part of customary preparations for this year’s Homowo Festival.
In a public notice signed by His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, the Council emphasized that the ban is a sacred tradition that marks a period of peace, solemnity, and spiritual reflection. The Homowo Festival, celebrated annually by the Ga people, is a time to honor their ancestors, give thanks for a bountiful harvest, and reflect on the unity and resilience of their forebears.
The Council further explained that the ban is grounded in GaDangme custom, and because Homowo is not celebrated on a uniform date across the Ga State, specific traditional areas such as Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram, and Ningo will observe the ban on separate dates following June 12. Residents in those areas are advised to watch for official announcements and comply accordingly.
The Ga Traditional Council reminded the public that this practice is protected under Article 11(3) and Article 26(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which uphold the rights of communities to preserve and practice their cultural heritage and recognize customary law as part of the national legal framework.
To ensure strict adherence, the Council outlined a number of enforcement measures. All places of worship must restrict their activities to within their premises. Loud musical instruments, clapping, and the use of tambourines are prohibited. Loudspeakers are not to be positioned outside church buildings or mosques. Additionally, roadside evangelism and the use of megaphones or loudspeakers in public spaces are banned throughout the period.
Funeral ceremonies and related gatherings are also suspended during the ban and can only resume a week after the official lifting, beginning Friday, June 20, 2025.
To oversee compliance, a task force composed of members from the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), local assemblies, and the Ghana Police Service, along with other security agencies, will monitor activities and prosecute anyone found in violation of the directive.
The Ga Traditional Council concluded by urging all residents, visitors, and institutions to respect and observe the ban, stressing that it is vital to preserving the Ga identity, promoting peace, and nurturing cultural understanding in Ghana’s pluralistic society.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all as we observe this significant tradition. Let us work together to uphold our heritage and maintain peace,” the statement read.
