The Ga Traditional Council, presided over by His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, has formally declared a period of quietude and reflection across the Ga State in anticipation of the annual Homowo Festival. This period, marked by a ban on drumming and noise-making, will commence on May 12, 2025, and extend to June 12, 2025. This traditional practice, deeply embedded in GaDangme custom, serves as a prelude to the vibrant Homowo celebrations, allowing for a time of reverence and spiritual introspection. The festival itself is a crucial cultural event for the Ga people, a time to honor their ancestors, express gratitude for a successful harvest, and reaffirm their communal bonds and historical resilience.
The Homowo Festival is not celebrated on a fixed date universally across the Ga State; therefore, the ban on drumming and noise-making will be observed on varying dates in specific traditional areas following the initial period ending on June 12th. These areas include Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema, Kpone, Prampram, and Ningo. Residents of these respective areas are encouraged to remain attentive to forthcoming official announcements regarding the precise dates applicable to their locale and to diligently comply with the prescribed restrictions during those periods. This staggered approach ensures that each community within the Ga State can appropriately observe the pre-Homowo period of quietude in accordance with its own customs and traditions.
The Ga Traditional Council emphasizes that this time-honored custom enjoys constitutional protection under Article 11(3) and Article 26(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. These articles safeguard the rights of communities to maintain and practice their unique cultural heritage, recognizing customary law as an integral component of the national legal framework. The ban therefore stands as a legally recognized practice, and its observance is not merely a request but a legally upheld expectation. This legal backing underscores the importance of respecting and preserving cultural diversity within the nation.
To ensure effective implementation of the ban, a series of enforcement measures will be put into action. All religious institutions are required to confine their activities within their premises, refraining from any outward expressions that might generate excessive noise. The use of loud musical instruments, clapping, and tambourines is strictly prohibited. Loudspeakers are not permitted to be placed outside church buildings or mosques, further minimizing potential noise disturbances. Public displays of religious expression, such as roadside evangelism and the use of megaphones or loudspeakers in public spaces, are similarly banned throughout the designated period. These restrictions are essential to maintain the desired atmosphere of tranquility and reflection.
Furthermore, funeral ceremonies and all associated gatherings are temporarily suspended during the ban period. These events can recommence a week after the official lifting of the restrictions, starting from Friday, June 20, 2025. This temporary halt on funeral activities further contributes to the overall atmosphere of solemnity and allows the community to focus on the spiritual preparations for Homowo. The delayed resumption ensures that the return to regular activities does not immediately impinge upon the concluding phases of the pre-festival period.
A dedicated task force comprising members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), local assemblies, the Ghana Police Service, and other relevant security agencies will be deployed to monitor adherence to these directives. This task force is empowered to take action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the ban. The Council’s commitment to enforcement underscores the seriousness with which they regard this tradition and their dedication to upholding the cultural practices of the Ga people. By involving various security bodies, they ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to maintaining the ban’s integrity.
The Ga Traditional Council appeals to all residents, visitors, and institutions within the Ga State to demonstrate respect for and diligently observe the ban on drumming and noise-making. They emphasize that this practice is crucial for preserving the unique identity of the Ga people, fostering an environment of peace, and nurturing cultural understanding and tolerance within Ghana’s diverse and vibrant society. By adhering to the ban, individuals contribute to the preservation of a significant cultural heritage and demonstrate their commitment to peaceful co-existence. The Council’s concluding message emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in upholding traditions and maintaining peace within the community. Their call for cooperation reflects their belief in the power of unity and mutual respect to strengthen the cultural fabric of the nation.
