-Coalition of GaDangme Pressure Groups-

We acknowledge the statement made by the Interior Minister in a meeting with a section of the clergy on 13th March, 2025, regarding the ban on drumming and noisemaking.

His comments, which suggested that churches could still worship and praise their Maker in a regulated and non-disturbing manner during the period of ban on drumming and noise-making of the Ga State, was misreported by a section of the media. The Interior Minister’s inaction to issuing an official statement to correct the erroneous reportage by Joy News and the others is making the statement circulate widely and infuriate the GaDangme State more and more.

While the ban does not prevent religious bodies from holding their worship services, we strongly emphasize the need not to disregard the protocols and regulations established by the Ga State regarding the Homowo festivities. The churches and the mosques should strictly adhere to the GaDangme Kusum (customs, rites, usage and protocols) while they hold their worship services in peace and harmony.

The ban on drumming and noise-making is a significant aspect of the customary, traditional and spiritual practices in and among Ghanaian tribes, especially in Accra during the Homowo festivities.
Other tribes resort to the ban on drumming and noise-making during major funerals and certain festivities.

The Gadangme’s Festive ban is observed annually and its observance period differs from all the towns making up the GaDangme Kingdom. This ban marks a period of silence and spiritual cleansing during which the individual Paramountcies prepare physically and spiritually for the famous Homowo festival.

It is believed that during the ban, the Wulormɛi (High Priests) fast and have a special covenant with the gods and ancestors of the land, and this helps to foster peace, unity, guidance, prosperity, protection and blessings on the land, and with good harvests.

As stated earlier, the ban on drumming and noisemaking is an old-age custom or tradition which is ingrained in our culture as GaDangme people and we have been practicing it since time immemorial and have protected and cherished it jealously till today.

Any church, mosque, religious institution or faith-based organization that violates the noise restrictions will face strict consequences, including possible sanctions. We urge all churches and heads of Muslim Communities (Ummah) to conduct their services in a manner that aligns with the directives of the Ga State, ensuring lower noise levels in accordance with the customs and norms of the people of the Greater Accra Region, as specified in Article 11(3) of the 1992 Constitution.

Let this statement serve a firm caution. For any person or group of persons that deliberately violate the ban shall face dire consequences.

Authorities will monitor the various Ga communities in both rural and urban areas for compliance, and any group found in breach of the regulation will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

We call on all religious institutions to cooperate fully to uphold peace and order during this period.
Sincerely,

SIGNED
Nii Ayitey Armah
For: Coalition of GaDangme Pressure Groups