The Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, has called on the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, to issue an apology to the Ga state for allegedly altering the terms of the month-long ban on drumming and noise-making preceding the Homowo festival.

Previously, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, in collaboration with Faith-Based Organizations, reached an agreement allowing the use of microphones and public address systems, as well as reduced-volume clapping of hands in churches during the ban on drumming and noise-making.

However, this decision, resulting from a stakeholders' meeting between the entities and the Greater Accra Regional Security Council led by Henry Quartey at Dodowa, has faced criticism from the Ga Dangme Council.

During the Odadao festival celebration, which marks the lifting of the ban on drumming and noisemaking, Gbese Mantse Nii Ayi-Bonte II expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing that no one has the right to undermine the traditions of the Ga people. As a result, he demanded an apology from Henry Quartey to the Ga State.

Addressing the issue, Gbese Mantse stated, “A lot of things have happened. How is it possible that indigenes of the Ga state, Henry Quartey and Elizabeth Sackey, together with religious leaders, will try to change Ga traditions and customs? They have no right to do such a thing. I want to pass on a message to the AMA Mayor, Elizabeth Sackey, to be given to Henry Quartey that this should be the first and last time he varies the terms in observing the ban on drumming and noisemaking. We have seen a lot of ministers, and it is not Henry Quartey who will try to destroy our customs and traditions. The Minister has not been able to come here. Elizabeth Sackey should inform Henry Quartey to apologize to the Ga State.”