The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has registered its displeasure over how the ban on drumming and noise-making is being enforced by a task force of the Ga Traditional Council in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
According to the Council even though it recognises and respects the cultural heritage, customs and traditions of the Ga people, as well as the annual observation of the ban as part of the Homowo Festival, the way and manner the enforcement is carried out is problematic.
“We are disturbed by the increasing reports of intimidation, harassment, and in some cases, the unlawful entry, assault and disruption of church services by certain individuals purporting to be members of the task force” the Council said in a statement
The council is particularly concerned that in some instances, churches that had complied with agreed protocols were still being subjected to aggression and assault. The GPCC has consequently called for a dialogue with the traditional authorities to ensure peace and harmony during the festive season.
“The GPCC calls for urgent dialogue between the Ga Traditional Council, religious leaders, the local assemblies and the Greater Accra Regional Security Council to review the approach and enforcement strategy.”
“We believe that through consultation and mutual respect, a more peaceful and cooperative atmosphere can be maintained during this culturally sensitive period,” a statement signed by the President of the GPCC, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said.
Apostle Nyamekye also in the statement called on the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the National Peace Council to mediate in the matter to avert any further conflicts or religious tensions.
“The council would like to state that during this period of ban on drumming and noise-making, it appears churches in particular have become the target of the task force of the Ga Traditional Council, which, in the view of the council, is very disheartening,” it said.
The GPCC said churches and, in fact, Christians, who formed approximately 72 per cent of the Ghanaian population, had been peacemakers and law-abiding citizens throughout the years.
The council, therefore, called on the government and the relevant state agencies in charge to regulate the implementation of the ban on drumming and noise-making so that the fundamental human right of freedom of worship, association, and so on shall not be infringed upon.
The GPCC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence between Ghana’s rich cultural traditions and the body of Christ.
“We must all endeavour to protect the harmony that Ghana is known for. “It is our hope that this issue will be addressed with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” the statement added.
Taskforce
However, the Head of the GTC Task Force, Nii Kojo Nseni Mankata, said it was their duty to ensure that the citizenry complied with the directive of the council.
He said the claim that the taskforce members were harassing churches was incorrect.
Rather, he said it was some of the churches that were not abiding by the directive of the GTC.
“Some are abiding by the rules and regulations but some are not, and when we go round and see that you are not abiding by the rules, we would come to you and issue summons to you to appear before the Judicial Committee of the GTC,” he said.
