The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced a month-long ban on drumming and noise-making across the capital as part of preparations for the annual Homowo Festival.
The directive, which takes effect from May 4 to June 4, 2026, is intended to preserve peace, harmony and public order within the Ga Traditional Area ahead of the festival, a significant cultural event celebrated by the Ga people.
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 30, the Assembly outlined strict guidelines governing activities during the period. Religious institutions are expected to conduct services within their premises without the use of musical instruments, while the mounting of loudspeakers outside churches, mosques and pubs has been prohibited.
The AMA also announced a suspension of roadside evangelism and other outdoor religious activities that could generate excessive noise, stressing that the measures are necessary to minimise disturbances across the metropolis.
Authorities further called for tolerance and mutual respect among religious groups and traditional authorities. The Assembly cautioned against inflammatory or derogatory remarks that could disrupt the peaceful coexistence of residents during the observance period.
In line with directives from the Ga Traditional Council, funeral rites and related activities have also been banned throughout the duration of the restriction, as part of customary practices leading up to the Homowo festival.
To ensure compliance, the AMA indicated that enforcement will be carried out by a designated task force comprising Assembly personnel, the Ghana Police Service and representatives of traditional authorities. The Assembly emphasised that no other individuals or groups are authorised to enforce the directive.
Residents have been urged to cooperate fully with the measures to ensure a peaceful and successful Homowo celebration. The Assembly warned that sanctions will be applied to persons who flout the guidelines.
