The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has voiced deep concern over what it describes as a troubling pattern of harassment and intimidation against churches during the ongoing enforcement of the traditional ban on drumming and noise-making in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
The annual ban, which forms part of the Homowo Festival celebrated by the Ga people, is a time-honoured cultural practice observed with solemnity. However, the GPCC says recent enforcement efforts by a task force under the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) have been marred by aggressive actions that, in some cases, have disrupted church services and even led to alleged assaults.
“We recognise and respect the customs and traditions of the Ga people,” said Apostle Eric Nyamekye, President of the GPCC, in a statement. “But we are disturbed by the increasing reports of intimidation, harassment, and in some cases, unlawful entry and assault during church gatherings.”
The Council claimed that even churches that had complied with agreed protocols were not spared, raising serious concerns about the approach taken by those tasked with enforcing the ban.
In a bid to de-escalate tensions, the GPCC is calling for an urgent dialogue involving the Ga Traditional Council, religious leaders, local government authorities, and the Greater Accra Regional Security Council. The Council also appealed to the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, as well as the National Peace Council, to step in and mediate before the situation worsens.
“We believe that through consultation and mutual respect, a more peaceful and cooperative atmosphere can be maintained during this culturally sensitive period,” Apostle Nyamekye added.
In response to the GPCC’s claims, the Head of the Ga Traditional Council Task Force, Nii Kojo Nseni Mankata, pushed back against the allegations. He insisted that the task force’s role was simply to ensure compliance with the Council’s directive, not to intimidate or harass.
“It is not true that we are harassing churches. Some of the churches are obeying the rules, but others are not. When we find such cases, we issue summons for them to appear before our Judicial Committee,” Nii Mankata said.
