Gabby Otchere-Darko is a businessman and leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Businessman and leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Otchere-Darko, has called on residents within the Greater Accra Region to respect traditional laws, particularly the ban on drumming and noise-making as part of the Homowo Festival celebrations.
According to him, individuals within the jurisdiction must adhere to the regulations set by traditional authorities, emphasising that failure to comply should warrant relocation.
In a May 18, 2025, social media post, Otchere-Darko urged residents to honour the seasonal restriction, stressing that silent prayers are equally effective.
“If you are on Ga land and they say this is a seasonal period of no noise-making (as in drumming, etc.), please respect that. After all, God hears silent prayers. If you disagree, please relocate! #RespectYourLandlord,” he posted.
Otchere-Darko’s comments follow a recent altercation involving taskforce members enforcing the noise ban and worshippers at a church service in Accra.
An individual known as Joojo shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing members of his congregation engaged in worship when the task force entered the auditorium, accusing them of violating the directive.
According to Joojo, the congregants were merely clapping during their session and were not using musical instruments, making the enforcement actions surprising.
The footage captured a heated exchange between the taskforce members and church attendees, which eventually escalated into a brief physical confrontation before being resolved.
The taskforce team, consisting of men and women wearing shirts labeled “Taskforce,” has yet to provide clear details regarding their actions.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) recently announced a ban on drumming and noise-making in designated parts of Accra as part of preparations for the Homowo Festival, a cultural celebration by the Ga people.
The directive includes restrictions on the use of loudspeakers, drums, tambourines, and other musical instruments, as well as prohibitions on merry-making and funeral rites during the specified period.
AM/KA