For the first time in 15 years, the Agave Traditional Area is on the verge of celebrating its annual Dzawuwu Hogbeza. The Chief Priest of the Agave Traditional Area, Torgbe Avuwoada – the Adzemunua of Agave, has placed a ban on noise making in the Agave Traditional Area.
Dzawuwu Hogbeza is an annual festival of the chiefs and people of Agave Traditional Area in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region. The Dzawuwu Hogbeza starts with Dzavoetsotso – a period of complete ban on drumming and firing of musketry in the entire Agave Traditional Area.
In a statement released on 20th October, 2025: “acting in solemn consultation with the Divisional Chiefs, Sub-Chiefs, and fellow Chief Priests of Agave, notice is hereby given of the following traditional bans and sacred reforms which must be strictly and reverently observed by all persons residing in, working within, or visiting the Agave Traditional Area”
The ban shall commence on 29th November, 2025; a total and absolute ban shall be imposed on the following activities across all Agave lands:
Drumming and Noise Making (including but not limited to traditional drums, electronic amplification of music, and all percussive instruments)
Fishing (in all rivers, streams, lagoons, and water bodies within Agave jurisdiction).
Despite the absolute ban, some exemptions have been made, “in the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect, the ban on drumming and general noise making shall be temporarily lifted on the 23rd of December, 2025 to permit Christians to observe Christmas and other lawful activities in accordance with their faith”.
“The temporary ban shall end on 3rd January, 2026 which is exclusive to drumming and noise making directly connected with the Christian worship and celebrations as well as other lawful celebrations by the youth” the statement added.
However, the ban on fishing shall be strictly adhered to neither will it be lifted, relaxed, or modified during the temporal lifting window or anytime during the entire period of the ban. In addition the ban on drumming and noise making shall continue on 4th January, 2026 and officially end on 23rd January, 2026.
In a final appeal, the leadership of the Traditional Area is cautioned that “any person, group, or entity found to be in violation of these sacred directives shall be dealt with according to the full weight of customary law as determined by the Adzemu Shrine in consultation with Agave Traditional Council”.
