Accra: The Anlo Dukor Council has officially announced the dates for a four-week ban on drumming and noisemaking as part of sacred customary rites to purify the land in preparation for the 2025 edition of the Annual Hogbetsotso Festival. The ban will be in effect from Sunday, 7th September to Saturday, 27th September 2025.
According to Ghana News Agency, this announcement was contained in a press statement signed by Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of Anlo, on behalf of Togbi Sri III, Awoamefia of Anlo. The statement detailed that the ban will prohibit activities such as drumming, use of loud musical instruments, outdoor musical performances, and any form of excessive or amplified noise that might disrupt the sanctity of the period.
The statement urged all residents, religious bodies, institutions, event organizers, and visitors within the Anlo jurisdiction, which includes thirty-six traditional towns, to strictly adhere to this directive. In an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency, Togbi Awusu advised residents to effectively utilize the month of August for any activities involving potential noisemaking before the ban period commences to avoid inconvenience or violations.
Togbi Sri III, Awoamefia of Anlo, appealed to the public to honor the dignity of this revered period and respect the traditions that uphold the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Anlo people. To ensure compliance, the statement noted that a traditional task force will work with local authorities and security agencies to enforce the ban, with any breaches subject to appropriate traditional and legal actions.
The Hogbetsotso Festival, renowned as one of Ghana's iconic cultural events, commemorates the historic migration of the Anlo people from Notsie in present-day Togo. It is celebrated annually with rich traditions, rituals, and festivities that attract both local and international attention.
