Ga Traditional Council protest against directive on celebration of Homowo

The Ga Traditional Council has protested and condemned a circular from the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council on the celebration of this year’s Homowo Festival.

A statement issued by the Council on Thursday and signed by Nii Dodo Nsaki II on their behalf said “as chiefs and custodians of Ga customs and traditions, we were not consulted. Ga Mashie is not the only flash point in Chieftaincy matters in Ghana”.

It said “even in areas where there are shootings and bloodshed, the people celebrate their annual festivals without interference.”

The protest was against a directive by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (RSC) on Tuesday that this year’s Homowo should be celebrated by all the people in the Ga State except in areas where there were disputes.

A statement issued by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council in Accra and signed by Mr F.T. Nartey, Chief Director, said places where there were disputes, the Police have been directed to ensure that all Homowo activities were restricted to only family homes.

In addition, sprinkling of “Kpoikpoi” should be restricted to family homes and not to be extended unto the streets at these troubled spots.

The statement said none of the malcontents should be allowed to enter any of the palaces or stool rooms.

The statement noted that there still exist some disputes in many areas of the Ga Traditional Council and of particular concern was the installation of rival chiefs in many divisions.

It said the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander had been requested to monitor the celebrations to ensure that peace prevailed in the Region.

“The due process of law should be made to take its course to ensure that peace and harmony prevailed during the celebration and any person who flouts the law should be dealt with in accordance with the dictates of the law,” it added.

The Council extended its warmest felicitations to the chiefs and people of Ga Traditional Area and wished them a happy and peaceful Homowo.

Source: GNA