By Issah Mohammed
Accra, June 7, GNA – Muslims at Ngleshie Amanfro in the Ga South Municipality Friday held the Eid-ul-Adha prayers without the use of sound system, making it difficult for worshippers to follow the Imam’s recitation and the sermon.
This follows the reluctance by sound system operators to render services due to the ongoing ban on drumming and noise-making by the Ga Traditional Council.
The absence of microphones and speakers created significant inconvenience for the large congregation that gathered at the Amanfro School Park for the prayers, with many struggling to follow the Imam’s recitation, which forms an integral part of the Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Sarki Shuaib Salau III, the Zongo Chief of Ngleshie Amanfro, explained that the issue was brought to the attention of the Eid organising committee rather late.
“We had already given out our community public address system to a neighbouring community for use, not anticipating the reluctance of private operators to step in due to the ban,” he said.
The community Imam, Sheikh Saleh Ali Mohammed, also expressed surprise at the development, saying the unavailability of the sound system came to his notice only during the prayers, when it was too late to make alternative arrangements.
He suggested a possible review of the implementation of the ban to allow moderate use of sound systems during solemn worship.
“Instead of an outright ban, the authorities can consider permitting low-volume sound to aid religious observance,” he said, adding that he personally had a throat condition that limited his ability to project his voice.
Despite the setback, Sheikh Saleh delivered his sermon, calling on Muslims to glorify and honour Allah with gratitude and devotion on the sacred day.
He urged them to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and use healthy, well-kept animals for the Eid sacrifice.
“We also prayed for the peace and progress of our country, and asked for Allah’s blessings to be upon all Ghanaians,” he said.
The month-long ban on drumming and noise-making, an annual custom ahead of the Homowo Festival, started on May 12, 2025 and is expected to be lifted on Thursday, June 12 in line with the traditions of the Ga State.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe