The one month ban will commence from May 8 and end on June 8, 2017, with the Odadao custom to signify the lifting of the ban.

Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Monday, the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayibonte, said a task force had been constituted to work in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the police service, to monitor and enforce the directive.

‘Any institution that will flout the rules and regulations governing this year’s festival would be dealt with. The General Christian Community and traditional authorities must show respect for one another and restrain their followers from making derogatory statements about the beliefs and practices of another's religion,’ he said

The ban on drumming and noise making is a very important feature in the activities leading to the celebration of the Homowo Festival by the Ga people.

The period is used to fast and pray for peace, progress and the welfare of the Ga-Dangme people in particular and the country as a whole.

 Homowo is celebrated in remembrance of the famine that once happened in the history of the Ga people.

Respect our tradition

Nii Ayibonte said it was high time the customs and traditions of the Ga state were respected, just like those of other states in the country.

He reiterated that any church that would disrespect the traditions of the Ga state will not be spared this year.

He added that any item seized as a result of the disregard of the directive, would not be returned as the case used to be.

Nii Ayibonte also advised all towns and villages within the Ga state that organised their programmes concurrently with the main Odadao custom to desist from that act, cautioning that it would not be tolerated this year.

No social gathering  

For his part, the Acting President of the Ga Traditional Council, Nii Dodoo Nsaki II, said during the period of the ban, there should not be any form of social gathering.

He entreated the general public to adhere to all traditional rules when the ban took effect, in the interest of peace, harmony and national security.

‘Worshipping should be confined to church premises; noise including hand clapping must cease. The positioning of loudspeakers outside church premises and the mosques are also banned during the period,’ he said.

Homowo

Nii Nsaki further announced that the celebration of this year’s Homowo Festival would begin on August 12.

The first to celebrate the Homowo is the people of Nungua, followed by Lante Dzane We and then the people of Tema.

Per the programme outline of the council, Ga Mashie, Osu, La, Teshie, and Kpone, will follow respectively.