The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced a temporary ban on drumming, noise-making, and roadside preaching 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 aimed at preserving peace and maintaining public order during the traditional observance period within the Ga Traditional Area.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 30, the Assembly outlined a series of restrictions targeting both religious and social activities. Churches have been instructed to conduct services strictly within their premises and suspend the use of musical instruments throughout the ban. Similarly, mosques, pubs, and other establishments are prohibited from mounting loudspeakers outside their premises.
Roadside evangelism and other forms of public preaching have also been suspended for the duration of the exercise, as authorities seek to minimise noise disturbances across the metropolis.
The AMA further called for restraint among religious groups and traditional leaders, urging them to avoid statements or actions that could inflame tensions or disrupt the prevailing peace.
In line with directives from the Ga Traditional Council, funeral rites and related activities have also been suspended within the period, forming part of long-standing customary practices observed ahead of the Homowo festival.
To ensure compliance, the Assembly indicated that monitoring will be carried out by a designated task force made up of AMA officials, personnel from the Ghana Police Service, and representatives of traditional authorities. It stressed that no unauthorised individuals or groups are permitted to enforce the directive.
Residents have been urged to cooperate fully, with the Assembly warning that sanctions will be applied to those who violate the restrictions. Authorities say adherence to the guidelines is essential to ensuring a peaceful and orderly Homowo season across Accra.
