The Gbese Mantse Nii Ayi-Bonte II on Thursday, June 15, 2023, beat the Odadao twins drums to officially lift the ban on the month-long ban on drumming and noisemaking in Ga States. Beating of the Odadao twins drums by the Gbese Mantse signify the lifting of the ban which comes with cheers and firing of musketry.

This year’s ban on drumming and noisemaking commenced on May 15 as part of preparations towards the celebration of the Homowo festival by the Ga people. The ban affected any form of noise-making, including the use of loudspeakers, drums, tambourines, roadside evangelism among others. However, the principal jurisdiction of Ga state will celebrate the Homowo festival on August 19th this year. The event was well attended by traditional leaders of the Ga states, the Sempe Muslim Akwashongtse, Nii Adotey Odaawulu I, Sempe Gbegbe Mantse, Nii Adote Faamlite, Accra Metropolitan Assembly Mayor Elizabeth Sackey, Member of Parliament for Odododiodioo Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Wulomei as well as indigenes.

Brief History about Homowo

• Homowo recounts the migration of the Gas and reveals their agricultural success in their new settlement.
• According to Ga oral tradition, a severe famine broke out among the people during their migration to present day Accra.
• They were inspired by the famine to embark on massive food production exercises which eventually yielded them bumper harvest.
• Their hunger ended and with great joy they “hooted at hunger” this is the meaning of the word HOMOWO.

Source: WadataOnline.com|Muhammed Faisel Mustapha