Ban on drumming, noise-making: GPCC raises concern over harassment – Calls for stakeholder dialogue

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed concern and 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.

It said while the GPCC recognised and respected the cultural heritage, customs and traditions of the Ga people, especially the annual observation of the ban as part of the Homowo Festival, “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”.

Aggression

The council, it said, was particularly concerned that in some instances, churches that had complied with agreed protocols were still being subjected to aggression and assault.

“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.

It also 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.

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.

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed concern and 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.

It said while the GPCC recognised and respected the cultural heritage, customs and traditions of the Ga people, especially the annual observation of the ban as part of the Homowo Festival, “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”.

Aggression

The council, it said, was particularly concerned that in some instances, churches that had complied with agreed protocols were still being subjected to aggression and assault.

“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.

It also 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.

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.