Ban on drumming and noise-making: GPCC condemns harassment, calls for dialogue and respect for religious freedoms

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has voiced strong concern over the manner in which the Ga Traditional Council’s (GTC) task force is enforcing the annual ban on drumming and noise-making in parts of the Greater Accra Region.

While the GPCC acknowledges the cultural significance of the ban, especially in connection with the Ga people's Homowo Festival, it has raised alarm over increasing reports of aggressive enforcement tactics that have allegedly disrupted religious worship.

"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 stated.

According to the GPCC, some churches that have complied with agreed protocols are still being subjected to undue aggression. The Council believes this points to a breakdown in the communication and coordination needed for peaceful observance of the cultural directive.

"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,” said Apostle Eric Nyamekye, President of the GPCC.

"We believe that through consultation and mutual respect, a more peaceful and cooperative atmosphere can be maintained during this culturally sensitive period,” he added.

The GPCC is also calling on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the National Peace Council to step in and mediate before the situation escalates into broader religious or social tensions.

Despite these concerns, the Ga Traditional Council insists its actions are within its mandate. Head of the GTC Task Force, Nii Kojo Nseni Mankata, rejected accusations of harassment.

“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 explained.

Nii Mankata further clarified that the directive does not target churches alone. “The ban is not only for churches but Muslims and other persons that use loud speakers and make noise as well,” he said, adding, “You can use the microphone but make sure the sound would be within the church premises and shouldn't come out.”

He acknowledged the proposal from the GPCC for dialogue, stating the traditional council was open to engagement in the interest of peaceful coexistence.

However, the GPCC insists that the task force’s approach has exceeded its legal boundaries. It criticized the confiscation and alleged destruction of church instruments, even in cases where sound levels were within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by-law limits.

It warned that such actions amount to a “gross overreach of traditional authority” and violate constitutional rights, particularly Article 21 of the Ghanaian Constitution, which protects freedom of worship and assembly.

"It is imperative that no cultural practice, however longstanding, be allowed to infringe upon this fundamental right," the GPCC said.

The Council also accused the GTC task force of singling out churches during the ban, a move it finds especially disappointing given the historical role of the Christian community in maintaining peace and order.

"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," the statement noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to cultural harmony and peaceful coexistence, the GPCC urged government intervention to ensure that religious freedoms are upheld while cultural traditions are observed respectfully.

"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 concluded.

This year’s ban on drumming and noise-making began on Monday, May 12, and is scheduled to end on Thursday, June 12, 2025. As part of preparations for the Homowo Festival, the ban aims to foster an atmosphere of reflection, peace, and spiritual focus in Ga communities.

So far, Nii Mankata disclosed that around 19 churches have been summoned before the GTC’s Judicial Committee for breaching the directive. He emphasized that clapping is also prohibited during the ban.