The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA) has clarified that it neither approved nor endorsed the recently held Karnival Kingdom Festival in Accra.
In a press release today and signed by the sector minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Ministry stated that it did not receive any correspondence, proposal, request for approval or official communication concerning the organisation of the event.
“The Ministry further clarifies that it neither endorsed, sanctioned, nor authorised the staging of the event and therefore is unaware of the processes through which the said festival was purportedly approved to take place in Ghana,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry, the clarification follows growing public concern and widespread discussions surrounding some activities and materials associated with the festival which circulated on social media.
The statement noted that some stakeholders and sections of the public had raised concerns about the nature and conduct of the event, particularly materials considered culturally unacceptable.
As the supervisory institution for the tourism, culture and creative arts sector, the Ministry stressed the need for organisers of public events, including festivals, to adhere strictly to established regulatory procedures and institutional engagements.
The Ministry also reminded organisers seeking to stage tourism, cultural, entertainment or recreational events in Ghana to formally engage the relevant state institutions and secure the necessary approvals before proceeding with such activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Ghana’s cultural identity and values, the Ministry said it would continue to support tourism and cultural activities that uphold public decency and respect the laws of the country.
“We remain committed to preserving, promoting and developing Tourism and Cultural activities that respect the laws of the country and uphold our values, cultural identity and public decency, while ensuring that the country continues to maintain its reputation as a safe and culturally reverent destination,” the statement added.
Earlier this week, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) condemned the act of public nudity at the Karnival Kingdom Festival. (Read Catholic Bishops condemn nudity at ‘karnival’ kingdom festival)
It demanded an impartial investigations into the matter, describing the event as an eyesore that denigrated the values of the nation.
“The conference recommends a thorough impartial investigation with public findings; review of permitting processes with clear decency guidelines; an inquiry into why police protection was provided; and a national dialogue on limits of cultural expression in public spaces,” a statement said.
See press statement below:
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh