Forecourt Clashes Purely Chieftaincy Matter - Gbese Mantse Palace

The Gbese Mantse Palace has clarified that the recent altercations at its forecourt during the lifting of the ban on drumming and noise-making were rooted in an internal chieftaincy dispute and pose no threat to the peaceful observance of the annual Homowo Festival. In a statement addressing the incident, the Palace confirmed that the traditional Odadaa rite which formally ends the month-long ban was successfully performed on Thursday, June 12, despite the tension on the grounds.

The ban on drumming and noise-making, imposed from May 12 to June 12 across the Ga State, marks a sacred period of purification in the run-up to Homowo, one of the region’s most significant cultural festivals. Tensions flared during the Odadaa rite when a claimant to the Dadeban Stool from the Ankrah family under the Otublohum Traditional Area was asked to vacate the premises. According to the Gbese Mantse’s Public Relations Officer, Nii Anan Agbo, the move was necessary to maintain the sanctity of the ceremony.

It is pure chieftaincy between His Royal Majesty Dr. Nii Ayi-Bonte II and that of the Dadeban under the Otublohum, the one claiming to be the chief over there and the family head as well, he explained. He added that the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, had no intention of allowing the dispute to overshadow or disrupt the rite or the broader celebration of Homowo.

Nii Anan Agbo further assured the public that all other activities leading to this year’s Homowo Festival are proceeding peacefully. All activities related to this year’s Homowo Festival within the Ga State are being carried out peacefully and without incident, he said. The Palace has since called for calm and urged claimants to settle disputes through the appropriate traditional and legal channels.