Prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) member and businessman, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has urged residents of the Greater Accra Region to comply with the traditional ban on drumming and noise-making as part of the Ga people's Homowo Festival celebrations.
In a statement shared via social media on May 18, 2025, Otchere-Darko emphasized the importance of respecting indigenous customs, stating that anyone unwilling to abide by the ban should consider relocating.
“If you are on Ga land and they say this is a seasonal period of no noise-making (as in drumming, etc.), please respect that. After all, God hears silent prayers. If you disagree, please relocate! #RespectYourLandlord,” he posted.
His comments come in the wake of a recent incident involving a taskforce enforcing the noise ban and a congregation at a church service in Accra.
A video posted by an individual identified as Joojo on X (formerly Twitter) showed members of a church clapping during worship when the taskforce entered and accused them of breaching the directive.
The confrontation escalated into a verbal altercation and briefly turned physical before being brought under control. The taskforce members, wearing shirts marked "Taskforce," have not officially commented on the incident.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) had earlier announced the seasonal ban as part of preparations for the Homowo Festival.
The directive prohibits the use of drums, loudspeakers, tambourines, and other musical instruments, as well as public celebrations, funeral rites, and other activities considered disruptive during the sacred period.
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