Accra’s one-month drumming and noise ban kick off this Monday

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has revealed that this year’s ban on drumming and noise-making will commence from Monday, May 12, to Thursday, June 12, 2025, as part of preparations for the annual Homowo Festival celebrated by the people of Ga.

As per a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the AMA said the order applies to all residents , communities, and organisations within the Assembly’s authority. The ban is being maintained to ensure peace and order, social harmony, unity and collective security in the jurisdiction.

The ban covers the following areas: communities around the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Head Office, Gamashie, Ablekuma West and Kasoa. The period marks a sacred interval and contemplation, solemnity, and spiritual preparation leading up to the Homowo Festival, which carries great cultural relevance for the Ga community.

The statement emphasized that “The ban represents a sacred period of solemnity, reflection, and spiritual preparation for the upcoming Homowo Festival.”

As specified in the enforcement procedures, churches are to conduct services strictly within their premises without the use of musical instruments. The use of loudspeakers outside churches, mosques, pubs, and during roadside evangelism is completely disallowed for the entire duration of the ban.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) also made emphasis on the value of understanding and showing respect among religious and traditional communities, encouraging all groups to refrain from making derogatory remarks or avoid criticising each other’s faith or traditions. The Ga Traditional Council (GTC), in alignment with the directive, has extended the ban on funeral rites and all related activities during the same period.

To guarantee fair and considerate implementation concerning the ban on drumming and noise-making, only a designated task force made up of AMA personnel, members of the Ghana Police Service, and official representatives from the Traditional Councils—who must put on official identification—are designated to carry out enforcement duties.

The statement cautioned that only authorised personnel or groups are permitted to enforce the ban. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) urged all residents, including those in towns and villages within the Ga Traditional Area, to conform completely with the regulations and promote a peaceful and meaningful observance of the ban.

The annual Homowo Festival, observed by the Ga people, represents the victory over hunger and is marked by rituals, feasting, and thanksgiving. The period in preparation for the celebration is traditionally observed with dignity and contemplation.

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