The Ga Mashie Traditional Council has summoned 15 churches, including well-known congregations such as Calvary Baptist Church and Lighthouse Chapel, for allegedly violating the ongoing ban on drumming and noise-making, which was implemented on May 12, 2025.

This summons follows reports that these churches disregarded the one-month directive by engaging in clapping and other forms of noise-making during their services. The ban is part of the annual customary rites leading up to the Homowo Festival, a significant cultural celebration for the Ga people.

In an interview, Asafoatse Mankatta, the leader of the task force responsible for enforcing the directive, confirmed that summons letters had been issued to the churches. However, he noted that some congregations refused to accept the notices.

“We hold Calvary Baptist Church in high regard, but we were taken aback to see them flouting the orders of the Traditional Council; their noise-making suggested a disregard for the seriousness of the situation,” Mr. Mankatta stated.

The summoned churches are expected to appear before the Traditional Council on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Mr. Mankatta warned that failure to comply with the summons could lead to significant repercussions.

Reiterating the terms of the ban, Mr. Mankatta clarified that during this period, churches and other religious organizations are prohibited from drumming, clapping, and using loudspeakers or musical instruments, both indoors and outdoors. However, singing without amplification is permitted.

He also mentioned that the Council would not object to churches operating in soundproof environments where no noise escapes to disturb the community's peace.

Mr. Mankatta urged the Christian community to cooperate with the directive, emphasizing that the task force would intensify enforcement starting next Sunday to ensure full compliance.