Traditional, Legal, and Theological Perspectives on the Ban on Drumming and Noisemaking during the Hɔmɔwɔ Festival

Abstract

The ban on drumming and other forms of noisemaking in the period preceding traditional festivals is not uncommon in Ghana. Every year, the Ga traditional state imposes a one-month ban on noisemaking prior to the celebration of the Hɔmɔwɔ festival. Over the years, the one-month “silence” associated with the Hɔmɔwɔ festival has resulted in several religious conflicts between the Ga Traditional Council and some Christian churches. The religious clashes became prominent in the late 1990s and have since not stopped in spite of many attempts to maintain peace in this period. This research was conducted using literature-based research methodology to assess the ban on noisemaking from the traditional and legal perspectives and to propose a way forward for future celebrations from a theological viewpoint. The paper argued that even though the demand that Christians avoid drumming and noisemaking prior to the Hɔmɔwɔ festival may be considered an infringement upon the religious rights of Christians, it is appropriate to comply with the ban to maintain peace. Complying with the ban does not mean one is compromising their faith; rather it is a step to maintain peaceful co-existence with others on a matter that is not central to the Christian faith. Keywords: Ban, Churches, Conflict, Ga, Hɔmɔwɔ, Noisemaking