The Anlo Dukor Council has announced a ban on drumming and noisemaking throughout the Anlo Dukor, effective Monday, August 10, to Saturday, August 29.
An official statement issued in Anloga and signed by the Awadada of Anlo Dukor, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, on Wednesday (June 17) said the customary rite formed part of the sacred preparations towards the annual Hogbetsotso Festival and related ancestral observances.
“It is a spiritually significant period, marked by reflection, purification, and solemnity in line with Anlo traditions.
“During this period, no form of drumming, loud music, funeral celebrations involving noise, or any public noise-making activity shall be entertained,” the statement said.
The statement, which was copied to the Graphic, directed all residents, religious organisations, institutions, event organisers, and visitors within the Anlo jurisdiction, made up of 36 towns, to observe the ban.
The prohibition includes: drumming and use of loud musical instruments, outdoor musical performances or celebrations, any form of excessive or amplified noise likely to disrupt the sanctity of the period.
Enforcement
The statement said the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III, expected all and sundry to uphold the dignity of the sacred period, adding that enforcement would be carried out by traditional taskforces in collaboration with local authorities and security agencies to ensure full compliance.
“Let us all join hands in maintaining the peace, unity and revered customs of Anlo,” the statement said.
When contacted, Togbi Agbesi Awusu told the Graphic that the ban was a tradition from time immemorial to enable the gods of the land to reflect on activities of the past in tranquillity and provide the path for the future.
