The Ban on noise-making, fishing and funerals begins today, Tuesday August 5, 2025 within the Oguaa Traditional Area, Cape Coast as part of preparations for the annual Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival.
The ban which will last until August 21, 2025 aims to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the people of Oguaa and ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the lead-up to the grand durbar on September 6, 2025.
Activities prohibited within the period include loud music and drumming, quarreling in traditional areas, pounding of fufu after 6 p.m. and loud wailing and mourning.
Additionally, fishing in the Fosu Lagoon is prohibited until September 2, 2025 while funeral activities within the Oguaa Traditional Area have also been banned until September 19, 2025.
Meanwhile, Elicot Nana Kweku Okyere III, Secretary of the 2025 Oguaa Fetu Afahye Planning Committee and Stool Secretary to Oguaamanhen, emphasized that those with loved ones in the mortuary who wish to bury them may do so outside the Oguaa traditional area.
“If you have a deceased love one in the hospital mortuary, you can go ahead and bury them outside the Oguaa jurisdiction, if you have to bury them within the ban period. However, no wailing and mourning should be heard during the period,” he stressed.
In an interview on ATL FM’s Agyanom Afarfo, Elicot Nana Kweku Okyere III advised churches, community centres, pubs and restaurants among all users of drums, microphones and musical instruments to keep volumes as low as possible.
He emphasized that September marks the beginning of the year and the ban on the aforementioned activities are observed for solemn reflection and ritual observances.
“During this period, traditional priests are called upon to intercede on behalf of the people—seeking blessings, guidance, and protection for the months ahead. Silence is essential, as the gods and ancestors require a peaceful environment to communicate with the living. Noise and disruption are avoided to honor their presence and intentions,”he continued.
Additionally, he said these rites reinforces spiritual guidance allowing spiritual entities to roam the town freely-bestowing blessings, wealth, strength and cleansing the land of misfortune, premature death, and other forms of evil.
Neglecting these sacred traditions, elders say, invites misfortune, but respecting them is seen as an act of harmony with divine forces that govern and protect the community.
The Oguaa Traditional Council is urging residents of Cape Coast to respect the traditions and maintain peace. The Council emphasized that Asafo companies will monitor compliance and that sanctions will be imposed for non-compliance.
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