Minister calls for strict observance of ban

Accra, May 4, GNA - The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh Ibrahim C Quaye, on Friday called for strict public compliance and observance of the annual ban on drumming and noise making, effective May 7 to June 7.

He said this would ensure peace, harmony and respect of the tradition of the people of the region.

Sheikh Quaye who made the call at a press briefing warned that the law would deal ruthlessly with any individual or group of persons who tried to flout the law to create confusion during the period. The Minister further assured the public of strict security to prevent nasty confrontations.

He said the Greater Regional Security Council had also directed that the ban should continue under some strict guidelines to show respect for the tradition and religion of the Ga traditional area. "This is to ensure that peace, harmony and national security are maintained," he said.

Sheikh Quaye also called on the religious leaders and traditional authorities to show respect for one another and restrain their followers from making inflammatory remarks about the beliefs and practices of each other.

He advised churches to ensure that their services were confined to their premises and noise levels minimised to the prescribed decibels. He cautioned the public to refrain from any attempt to enter a church or any other premises to enforce the laws on noisemaking, since such actions were punishable by court fines and/or imprisonment.

Sheikh Quaye said all problems and misunderstandings relating to the ban should be reported to the specially established joint task force which comprises of the AMA, Police, traditional councils and religious bodies or call the hotlines 662441 and 666859 or the nearest Police Station for prompt effective action.