The Ga Mashie Traditional Council has summoned 15 churches in Accra, including Calvary Baptist Church and Lighthouse Chapel, for allegedly breaching the annual ban on drumming and noise-making, which commenced on May 12.
The churches are expected to appear before the Council to respond to claims that they defied the directive by engaging in clapping and other forms of noise-making during their worship services.
According to the Council’s task force, which monitors adherence to the one-month-long ban, some of the churches declined to accept formal summons when approached by enforcement officers.
The ban, a significant part of traditional preparations for the Homowo Festival, is observed annually to preserve peace and spiritual sanctity in the Ga State.
It restricts the use of musical instruments, loudspeakers, roadside preaching, and even hand-clapping in religious and social gatherings throughout the period.
Investigations by the task force indicated that while singing is permitted, several churches were found clapping and using sound equipment in a manner considered disruptive and disrespectful to the directive. Enforcement officials were reportedly taken aback by the noncompliance of some prominent churches.
The summoned churches have been directed to appear before the Traditional Council on Thursday, May 22, to explain their actions. Officials have warned that failure to attend the meeting may result in sanctions, including possible legal or traditional consequences.
The task force emphasized that places of worship with soundproof auditoriums that prevent noise from disturbing the public are generally exempt from penalties, provided their activities remain contained within their premises.
With stricter enforcement scheduled to begin next Sunday, the Council is urging the Christian community and other affected groups to observe the restrictions with respect and understanding, in line with the cultural significance of the period.
The ban remains in force until mid-June, culminating in the Homowo Festival, which celebrates the Ga people’s triumph over famine and their rich cultural heritage.
