The Ga Mashie Traditional Council has summoned 15 churches, including Calvary Baptist Church and Lighthouse Chapel, for allegedly breaching the ongoing prohibition on drumming and noise-making, which was implemented on May 12, 2025.
According to Asafoatse Mankatta, the leader of the task force responsible for enforcing this month-long directive, the churches in question were observed clapping during their services, which constitutes a direct violation of the Traditional Council’s regulations.
In an interview with Adom News, Mr. Mankatta disclosed that some churches even declined to accept their summons letters. ‘We hold Calvary Baptist Church in high regard, yet we were taken aback by their disregard for the Traditional Council’s orders.
They were creating noise as if there were no repercussions,’ he stated. The churches summoned are required to appear before the Traditional Council on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Mr. Mankatta warned that noncompliance could lead to severe consequences.
He reiterated the guidelines of the ban, which forbids clapping and drumming during this period, although singing is allowed.
He mentioned that churches equipped with soundproof auditoriums that prevent noise from escaping may be exempt from penalties.
Mr. Mankatta urged the Christian community to adhere to the directives, adding that the task force would intensify enforcement efforts starting Sunday.
This annual ban is part of traditional rites leading up to the Homowo Festival and applies to all forms of loud public religious activities.
It specifically prohibits the use of loudspeakers outside places of worship, roadside evangelism, megaphones, tambourines, and other musical instruments during the ban period.
