Christians defy ban as they drum at church

Accra (Greater Accra), 10th May ?99 ?

Churches in the Accra metropolis on Sunday drummed during their services despite a ban by the Ga Traditional Council but restricted their activities to their premises as directed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Ghana and Christian Council of Ghana.

The orthodox and charismatic churches drummed, trumpeted and sang praises in their worship and were not confronted by traditionalists who had slapped the ban as a prelude to the Ga Homowo festival.

Most of the churches had their normal church activities in peace and harmony.

Military personnel were seen patrolling the streets around Awoshie in their vehicles but their mission was not disclosed.

Last year, traditionalists tried to stop members of Lighthouse Chapel International at Korle Gonno from drumming during the ban leading to a clash between the two sides in which both sides sustained injuries.

Tension has been mounting in Accra since this year's ban went into force.

Christians, supported by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, have said the ban is an infringement of their rights under the constitution while traditionalists say that it is necessary to perform their rituals.

The government and police have appealed to both sides to respect each other's views and avoid confrontation.