Three-Week Ban on Drumming, Noise Takes Effect in Anlo; Public Urged to Comply

Anloga (Volta Region) — August 2026

The annual ban on drumming and noise-making within the Anlo Traditional Area has officially taken effect, with the public cautioned to strictly comply with the directive marking the beginning of a significant traditional observance ahead of the 2026 Hogbetsotso Festival,

The three-week ban, which applies across the entire 36 towns of the Anlo Traditional Area, took effect on Monday, August 10, 2026, and will run until Saturday, August 29, 2026.

The ban was formally announced in a press release signed by Awadada Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, Chairman of the Hogbetsotso Festival Planning Committee.

Reiterating the directive in an interview with Veritasnewsgh, Togbi Zewu IV, Paramount Chief of Anloga and Co-Chairman of the Hogbetsotso Festival Planning Committee, described compliance as a collective responsibility and urged the public to respect the sacred nature of the period.

“This is not merely a restriction on noise-making; it is a sacred period in our traditional calendar. We therefore expect everyone within Anlo to respect the observance and contribute to preserving the sanctity of our traditions,” Togbi Zewu IV said.

According to Togbi Zewu, the directive is not only for the Keta Municipality and Anloga District, as some members of the public may assume, but affects the entire area spanning the six Districts in Southern Volta

Residents, indigenes, religious organisations, businesses, event organisers, pubs, restaurants, commercial transport operators and visitors are expected to observe the ban and refrain from activities involving drumming and excessive noise throughout the period.

Traditional and Spiritual Significance

According to the Paramount Chief, the ban forms an important part of the annual traditional rites preceding Hogbetsotso and provides the necessary period for the performance of customary rituals aimed at purifying the indigenous deities and preparing the land for the festival.

He stressed that the observance is deeply rooted in Anlo-Ewe tradition and should therefore not be treated as an ordinary restriction on public activity.

He cautioned individuals and groups against violating the directive, emphasising that compliance is essential to preserving the sanctity of the traditional rites and ensuring the peaceful conduct of the Hogbetsotso preparations.

Togbi Zewu IV further disclosed that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with customary and applicable state laws, while calling on the various Municipal and District Assemblies within the Anlo Traditional Area to support the coordination and enforcement of the ban.

He said a dedicated task force, with the involvement of the security services, would be responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing the directive throughout the traditional area.

“The ban covers the entire Anlo Traditional Area. It is therefore important that everyone, regardless of where they live or operate, understands that the directive applies to all 36 towns and respects it accordingly,” he cautioned.

Why the Ban Starts Early

The announcement of the ban generated questions among some members of the Anlo public, particularly over what some perceived as the early commencement of the restriction.

Responding to these concerns, Togbi Zewu IV explained that the timing was deliberate and based on the traditional and logistical arrangements for this year’s Hogbetsotso celebrations.

He said the Anlo Dukor Council and the Hogbetsotso Festival Planning Committee considered the programme of activities and the timing of various traditional rites in determining the period for the ban.

“The timing is guided by the arrangements and programme for Hogbeza. We have key activities scheduled within the traditional area, and the period of the ban is therefore determined to create the necessary space for those traditional observances,” he explained.

The Paramount Chief consequently urged the public to take the directive seriously, cooperate with the enforcement authorities and ensure that their activities do not undermine the traditional observance.

The observance is regarded as an integral part of the traditional preparations for Hogbetsotso, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival to the people of Anlo.