Nii Ayi-Bonte II, Gbese Mantse, has requested that Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey apologise to the Ga state for allegedly altering the terms of respecting the month-long prohibition on drumming and noise-making that precedes the celebration of the Homowo festival.
It will be remembered that during the prohibition on drumming and noise-making, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, in partnership with Faith-Based Organisations, reached an agreement to allow the use of microphones and public address systems, as well as clapping hands at lower decibels, in churches.
This followed a stakeholders’ meeting in Dodowa between the entities and the Greater Accra Regional Security Council, which was conducted by Henry Quartey – a decision that has subsequently been criticised by the Ga Dangme Council.
Speaking during the Odadao festival celebration to abolish the prohibition on drumming and noisemaking, Gbese Mantse Nii Ayi-Bonte II voiced his displeasure, emphasising that no one has the authority to damage the Ga people’s traditions.
As a result, he asked that Henry Quartey apologise to the Ga State.
“A lot of things have happened. How is it possible that indigenes of the Ga state, Henry Quartey and Elizabeth Sackey together with religious leaders will try to change Ga traditions and customs? They have no right to do such a thing”.
“I want to pass on a message to the AMA Mayor, Elizabeth Sackey, to be given to Henry Quartey that this should be the first and last time he varies the terms in observing the ban on drumming and noisemaking. We have seen a lot of ministers, and it is not Henry Quartey who will try to destroy our customs and traditions. The Minister has not been able to come here. Elizabeth Sackey should inform Henry Quartey to apologize to the Ga State.”
