Gbese Mantse Nii Ayi-Bonte II has expressed concerns about a unilateral alteration of the traditional Ga ritual that prohibits drumming and noise-making within the Ga state on an annual basis.

He questioned why both the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, and the Accra mayor, Elizabeth Sackey, who are natives of the Ga state, would collaborate with faith-based organizations to modify the customary practice preceding the Homowo festival.

A joint declaration was reached among the ministry, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (led by the Regional Minister), faith-based organizations, and representatives of traditional councils in the Greater Accra Region.

This declaration allows the Ga Traditional Council to grant permission for faith-based organizations to utilize microphones and public address systems at reduced volumes and to engage in minimal clapping, restricted to church auditoriums.

Already, the GaDangne Council had condemned the modification in a statement signed by its president Nii Ayikoi Otoo.

Speaking at the Odadao festival celebration to lift the ban, the Gbese mantse also voiced out his dissatisfaction with the modification.

"How is it possible that indigenes of the Ga state, Henry Quartey and Elizabeth Sackey, together with religious leaders, will try to change Ga traditions and customs? They have no right to do such a thing", he fumed.

"I want to pass on a message to the AMA mayor, Elizabeth Sackey, to be given to Henry Quartey that this should be the first and last time he varies the terms in observing the ban on drumming and noisemaking. We have seen a lot of ministers, and it is not Henry Quartey who will try to destroy our customs and traditions", Nii Ayi-Bonte II warned.

He said the "minister has not been able to come here. Elizabeth Sackey should inform Henry Quartey to apologise to the Ga state".