Ga Mashie Traditional Council Summons 15 Churches Over Noise Ban Violation
The Ga Mashie Traditional Council has summoned 15 churches, including Calvary Baptist Church and Lighthouse Chapel, for allegedly violating the ongoing ban on drumming and noise-making, which began on May 12.
According to Asafoatse Mankatta, the leader of the taskforce enforcing the directive, the churches defied the ban by clapping during their services, an act considered a breach of the traditional order.
He told Adom News that summons letters were issued to the churches; however, some churches reportedly refused to accept them.
“We have great respect for Calvary Baptist Church, but we were surprised to see them violating the orders of the Traditional Council; they were making noise as if there was nothing at stake,” he said.
The summoned churches are expected to appear before the Traditional Council on Thursday, May 22.
Mankatta warned that failure to comply with the summons would have serious consequences.
He emphasized that the ban allows churches to sing during services but prohibits clapping and drumming.
However, churches with soundproof structures that prevent noise from escaping their premises may be exempt from sanctions.
The taskforce has indicated that enforcement will be intensified starting next Sunday, and urged the Christian community to cooperate with the directive.
The one-month ban prohibits the use of loudspeakers outside church premises and mosques, roadside evangelism, megaphones, tambourines, and other musical instruments, both indoors and outdoors.
The ban is observed annually as part of preparations toward the Homowo festival, a period considered sacred by the Ga people.
