Okere Youth rejects alleged Akropong noise-making ban

The Okere Youth Association has dismissed reports that the Akropong Traditional Council has imposed a ban on noise-making, popularly known as Addae Butuw, across the entire Akuapem traditional area.

The association said it had taken note of notices circulating on social media purporting to indicate that Akropong had issued a directive prohibiting noise-making throughout Akuapem.

However, it said it had not seen any official communication from the Akropong Traditional Council confirming the reported directive.

The group said concerns had also emerged following reports of an incident in Akropong in which some settlers allegedly confronted residents of Abiriw over an alleged breach of the purported noise-making ban.

According to the Okere Youth Association, the development was concerning, particularly if a directive issued by one traditional area was being interpreted as binding on communities outside its jurisdiction.

It argued that Akuapem comprises several traditional areas, each with its own traditional leadership and authority, and therefore no single community should assume the power to impose directives on others.

The association specifically noted that Okere and Larteh have their own traditional authorities, which it said must be allowed to determine matters concerning their respective communities.

It also raised concerns about attempts to use historical accounts about Akropong’s position within Akuapem to undermine the identity and traditional authority of other communities.

The association said it respected the various traditional institutions within Akuapem but stressed that such respect must be mutual and based on recognition of the autonomy of each traditional area.

It consequently appealed to the people of Okere to remain calm and avoid confrontations over the issue.

According to the group, any decision regarding traditional practices such as Addae Butuw within Okere should be taken by the appropriate traditional authorities of Okere.

The association stressed that its position should not be interpreted as opposition to peace, unity or cooperation among the various Akuapem communities.

Rather, it said, sustainable peace required respect for the authority and autonomy of each traditional area.

The Okere Youth Association therefore urged the public to treat the circulating reports with caution until an official position is communicated by the appropriate traditional authorities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests, identity and traditional authority of the people of Okere while promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among communities across Akuapem.

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