The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has placed a ban on drumming and noise-making in the capital beginning today, Monday, May 12, to June 12 during the Nmaa Dumↄ period, as per the customs of the Ga Traditional Council.

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This was disclosed in a press release signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, at the AMA. According to the release, the directive is aimed at observing harmony and national security. As per the development, churches have been urged to carry out activities within their premises and also avoid the use of musical instruments.

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The AMA has prohibited the use of loudspeakers placed outside churches, mosques, pubs, and other areas.

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“Roadside evangelists are to cease their activities during this period,” the statement added. The AMA has also cautioned religious bodies and traditional authorities against the use of derogatory or inflammatory remarks, urging them instead to maintain mutual respect.

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The one-month ban affects funeral rites and all related activities. A designated task force made up of AMA personnel, the Ghana Police Service, and representatives from the Traditional Councils is expected to enforce the ban.

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“Apart from this identifiable task force with tags, no other person or group of persons should be seen or found enforcing the abatement of noise in the metropolis,” Mr. Ankrah warned. Ghanaians living within Accra have been advised to heed the order or face harsher treatments.

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The Homowo Festival holds deep significance for the Ga people, as it marks their victory over famine and celebrates a season of plenty. The quiet period observed before the festivities offers a moment for introspection ahead of the vibrant and jubilant events.

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This practice, which began years ago, also impacts Ghana’s religious communities, many of which have grown over the past few decades by incorporating modern worship practices.

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The Ghana Statistical Service’s 2021 census shows that 32% of the population are Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians, 17% Protestants, 10% Catholic, and 20% Muslim, many of whom rely heavily on music and drumming as part of their religious life.

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Tension arose about 20 years ago when some Pentecostal and Charismatic churches ignored the noise ban, leading to confrontations with the Ga community.

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Outraged by what they saw as disrespect to sacred customs, some Ga youth retaliated by attacking churches. This ignited a period of conflict that highlighted a deeper struggle between the preservation of traditional Ga culture and the constitutional right to religious freedom.

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Over the years, a number of churches have been fined and had their musical equipment confiscated for violating the ban on noise-making and drumming.

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