Reports indicate that the Taskforce in charge of the enforcement of the ban on drumming and noise making in the Greater Accra is abusing its mandate.
Some people parading themselves to be members of the taskforce, specifically from the Ga Traditional Council, for the second time stormed the premises of the Kaneshie Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to seize musical equipment for the church flouting the ban on drumming & noise-making.
They were in the company of some policemen when the service had reporteldy long closed.
A leader of the church told DGN Online that
“Fact is, due to the observance of the ban, service hasn’t lasted for even 2 hours since it came into effect.
“The police and the tradionalists stormed the auditorium to seize the equipment. But to our surprise, they came out empty-handed.
Why no one could explain. We asked them to bring the notice of summons if indeed, they have evidence of the church flouting the rule.
As for the policemen, I don’t know what to make of their attitude. They chose to even ignore the presence of their colleagues who usually provide security on Sundays.”
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), had announced that this year’s ban on drumming and noise-making in the Greater Accra Region commences from Monday, May 9 to Thursday, June 9, 2022.
The ban which is an annual traditional rite that precedes the celebration of the Homowo Festival referred to as “Odadaa” by the chiefs and people of Ga Mashie, requires silence and tranquillity for more than a month after the ritual planting of the crops.
Some communities the ban is expected to affect include, Ga Mashie, Korle Gonno, Dansoman, Sakaman, Malam, Gbawe, Bortianor, Ngleshie-Amanfro, Kokrobite, Oshiyie, Obaakrowa, Kofi Kwei, Ahida, Papase, Pokuase, Amasaman, Saapeman, Achimota among others.
A statement signed by Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, “during the period of the ban, the usual form of worship should be confined to the premises of the church and the mosque. Churches and Mosques are expected to refrain from using loud musical instruments or organizing events that are likely to bring about noise making.”
According to the release, the laid down guidelines were in the interest of peace, harmony, and national security.
“The positioning of loudspeakers outside the premises of churches, mosques, and pubs are banned. Roadside evangelists are to cease their activities during this period”
“Religious bodies and the Traditional Authorities must show respect for one another and restrain their followers from making derogatory and inflammatory remarks about the beliefs and practices of one another” the statement added.
The statement indicates that funeral rites and their related activities were also banned during the period with bars, pubs and nightclubs expected to refrain from the use of loudspeakers within and outside their premises.
“Apart from an identifiable task force that consists of AMA personnel, the Ghana Police Service, and representatives from the traditional councils with tags, no other person or group of persons should be seen or found enforcing the abatement of noise in the metropolis” part of the statement said.
The statement also entreated all persons
within the Ga Traditional Area to cooperate and comply with the directives accordingly during the stipulated period.
By Vincent Kubi