The ceremony to lift the ban on drumming and noise-making on Thursday, June 12, 2025, descended into chaos in several locations across the Greater Accra Region.

A video shared by EDHUB on X, dated June 13, 2025, on Friday, depicted chaotic scenes from what should have been a joyous event, initially scheduled to take place at the Gbese Mantse’s Palace in Accra.

According to the video, the chaos began when an allegedly uninvited chief confronted the Gbese Mantse during the ban-lifting ceremony.





In a separate incident in Pokuase to lift the ban on noise-making, confusion erupted during the ritual as two feuding factions of the Otublohum stool clashed, causing the situation to spiral out of control.

This ban, which started on May 12, 2025, is an important Ga tradition for prayers, spiritual cleansing, and appeasing the gods. It's lifting signifies the beginning of the Homowo festival season.





The event started with Pokuase Mantse, Nii Oto Kwame IV, and his entourage, including the Krontihene of Pokuase, Nii Dodoo Akoto Oyeadieye I, and traditional priest, Nuumo Gbelenfo, taking their places.

However, disruptions occurred when Nii Offei Nkwanta Bisah, Djaasetse of Pokuase, arrived with prominent elders and the Asafo group, deliberately sitting in front of Nii Oto Kwame's delegation.





This action provoked a strong reaction from his followers.

Despite the uproar, the Djaasetse and his elders, accompanied by members of the National Security and police operatives, refused to move.

This led to significant commotion, with supporters from both sides engaging in physical altercations as police attempted to restore calm.

The Djaasetse's followers claimed that Nii Oto Kwame IV had been dethroned, arguing that he lacked the legitimacy to act as Mantse of Pokuase or to perform the ritual to lift the ban.





In response, Nii Oto Kwame IV vehemently denied this, stating that no traditional ritual had been conducted for his removal.

"They are claiming that they have destooled me, but no traditional ritual has been performed to that effect. If you want to remove a gazetted chief, there are laid down procedures to follow. This is not dictated by individual whims or the pursuit of personal gratification,” he told reporters.

The disturbances prolonged the event for over three hours, characterised by accusations, counter-accusations, and sporadic gunshots from the Asafo group.

With a strong security presence, the Djaasetse was eventually allowed to lead the ceremony and perform the final ritual to lift the ban, much to the delight of his supporters and the anger of the opposing faction.


Watch the video below

Chaos erupted after an allegedly uninvited chief clashed with the Gbese Mantse during the lifting of the ban on noise-making earlier today. pic.twitter.com/4KltLmtHXF

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) June 12, 2025