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The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed concern and displeasure over how the ban on drumming and noise-making is being enforced by a task force of the Ga Traditional Council in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
It said while the GPCC recognised and respected the cultural heritage, customs and traditions of the Ga people, especially the annual observation of the ban as part of the Homowo Festival, "we are disturbed by the increasing reports of intimidation, harassment, and in some cases, the unlawful entry, assault and disruption of church services by certain individuals purporting to be members of the task force".
The council, it said, was particularly concerned that in some instances, churches that had complied with agreed protocols were still being subjected to aggression and assault.
"The GPCC calls for urgent dialogue between the Ga Traditional Council, religious leaders, the local assemblies and the Greater Accra Regional Security Council to review the approach and enforcement strategy.”
"We believe that through consultation and mutual respect, a more peaceful and cooperative atmosphere can be maintained during this culturally sensitive period,” a statement signed by the President of the GPCC, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said.
It also called on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the National Peace Council to mediate in the matter to avert any further conflicts or religious tensions.
However, the Head of the GTC Task Force, Nii Kojo Nseni Mankata, said it was their duty to ensure that the citizenry complied with the directive of the council.
He said the claim that the taskforce members were harassing churches was incorrect.
Rather, he said it was some of the churches that were not abiding by the directive of the GTC.
“Some are abiding by the rules and regulations but some are not, and when we go round and see that you are not abiding by the rules, we would come to you and issue summons to you to appear before the Judicial Committee of the GTC,” he said.
Meanwhile, the GPCC said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within the district assemblies had in its by-laws levels of drumming and noise- making which its members complied with during their services.
But it said the traditional council’s task force had taken the law into their hands and was invading churches, taking away musical instruments, even at the slightest strike of the piano, and in some instances, had damaged those instruments.
Such actions, it said, represented a gross overreach of traditional authority and amounted to violations of constitutional freedoms.
The Constitution of Ghana, it said, guaranteed the freedom of worship and assembly under Article 21, and "it is imperative that no cultural practice, however longstanding, be allowed to infringe upon this fundamental right".
"The council would like to state that during this period of ban on drumming and noise-making, it appears churches in particular have become the target of the task force of the Ga Traditional Council, which, in the view of the council, is very disheartening," it said.
The GPCC said churches and, in fact, Christians, who formed approximately 72 per cent of the Ghanaian population, had been peacemakers and law-abiding citizens throughout the years.
The council, therefore, called on the government and the relevant state agencies in charge to regulate the implementation of the ban on drumming and noise-making so that the fundamental human right of freedom of worship, association, and so on shall not be infringed upon.
The GPCC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence between Ghana’s rich cultural traditions and the body of Christ.
"We must all endeavour to protect the harmony that Ghana is known for. "It is our hope that this issue will be addressed with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” the statement added.
This year’s ban on drumming and noise-making took effect from Monday, May 12 and would end on Thursday, June 12, 2025 as part of the traditional preparations for the Homowo Festival.
The annual ban, a significant cultural practice among the Ga people, is observed to create an atmosphere of peace, solemnity and spiritual reflection ahead of the festival which celebrates unity, resilience and gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
Nii Mankata said so far about 19 churches had been hauled before the Judicial Committee of the GTC.
The ban, he said, was not only for churches but Muslims and other persons that used loud speakers and made noise as well.
"You can use the microphone but make sure the sound would be within the church premises and shouldn't come out,” Nii Mankata explained.
Clapping, he said, was not permitted, but he welcomed the dialogue proposal made by the GPCC.
The Head of the task force said the traditional council was ready to engage in such exercises for the common good to ensure peaceful co-existence between the GTC and others.
