The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed concern and displeasure with the way the Ga Traditional Council's task force is enforcing the ban on drumming and noise-making in parts of the Greater Accra Region.

While the GPCC recognized and respected the Ga people's cultural heritage, customs, and traditions, particularly the annual observation of the ban as part of the Homowo Festival, it stated, "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."

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 Aggression

 The council expressed particular concern that churches that had followed agreed-upon protocols were still 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 requested that the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the National Peace Council mediate in the matter to avoid further conflicts or religious tensions.

 Taskforce

 However, the Head of the GTC Task Force, Nii Kojo Nseni Mankata, stated that it was their responsibility to ensure that citizens followed the council's directives. Rather, he stated that some churches were not following the GTC's directives.

“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.

 EPA

 Meanwhile, the GPCC stated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within the district assemblies had by-laws governing drumming and noise-making, which its members followed while performing their duties.

 However, it claimed that the traditional council's task force had taken the law into their own hands and was invading churches, seizing musical instruments with the slightest strike of the piano, and in some cases damaging those instruments. Such actions, it claimed, were a gross overreach of traditional authority and constituted violations of constitutional rights.

 According to Article 21 of Ghana's Constitution, freedom of worship and assembly are guaranteed, and "it is imperative that no cultural practice, however longstanding, be allowed to infringe upon this fundamental right."

 Selective

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 "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," according to the statement.

 According to the GPCC, churches, and specifically Christians, who account for roughly 72% of Ghana's population, have long been peacemakers and law-abiding citizens.

 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 to freedom of worship, association, and so on is not violated.

 He disputed the claim that taskforce members were harassing churches. The GPCC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence of Ghana's diverse cultural traditions and the body of Christ.

 "We must all work to preserve the harmony that Ghana is known for," the statement continued. "We hope that this issue will be addressed with the urgency and seriousness it deserves."

 Traditional Council

 This year's ban on drumming and noise-making began on Monday, May 12, and will end on Thursday, June 12, 2025, as part of the Homowo Festival's traditional preparations. The annual ban, a significant cultural practice among the Ga people, is observed to foster a sense of peace, solemnity, and spiritual reflection ahead of the festival, which celebrates unity, resilience, and gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

 Judicial Committee

 Nii Mankata stated that approximately 19 churches have been hauled before the GTC's Judicial Committee.

 He stated that the ban applied not only to churches but also to Muslims and others who used loudspeakers and made noise.

 "You can use the microphone, but make sure the sound is within the church premises and doesn't come out," Nii Mankata told me.

 He said clapping was not permitted, but he welcomed the GPCC's dialogue proposal.

 The head of the task force stated that the traditional council was willing to engage in such exercises for the common good in order to ensure peaceful coexistence between the GTC and others.