In a vibrant ceremony, the Paramount Chief of the Gbese Traditional Area, Nii Dr Ayi-Bonte Il, performed the ‘Odadao’ ritual, marking the end of a month-long ban on drumming and noise-making in Ga Mashie.
The ritual, which involves the beating of twin drums, signifies the start of preparations for the Homowo Festival in August.
The ban, which began on May 6, is a period of tranquility and peace, during which corn is spiritually planted to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest.
The Odadao ritual, performed solely by the Gbese Mantse, was held at the forecourt of the Gbese Mantse Palace, amidst musketry firing, merry-making, and spontaneous joy.
The event was attended by divisional chiefs, principal chiefs, traditional priests and priestesses, and government officials, including the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Kwartei Titus-Glover, and the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Accra, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey.
Nii Ayi-Bonte, adorned in elegant kente, was carried shoulder-high and paraded through the principal streets, amidst cheers and applause.
In his address, he emphasized the need for unity among the people of Accra, stressing that it is the only way to address the challenges facing the Ga State, including teenage pregnancy, delinquency, and sanitation.
Government officials and traditional leaders emphasized the importance of preserving the rich culture of the country and the need for unity and peace, especially during this year’s election.
The Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuije, appealed for peace and unity, citing the need for the Ga State to come together to address its challenges.
Ms Sackey urged the Ga State to embrace peace and unite for development, warning against manipulation and violence during the elections.
