The Christian Council of Ghana has endorsed the position taken by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference over activities associated with the 2026 Karnival Kingdom Festival, describing reports of public nudity during the event as a violation of Ghana’s moral and legal standards.
In a statement dated May 6, the Council said it fully supported concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops regarding incidents said to have occurred during the festival, which was held between April 22 and 28 in Accra.
The Council argued that the alleged public display of nudity breached public decency laws and contravened Section 278 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). According to the statement signed by its Chairman, B. D. K. Agbeko, such actions threaten the moral values and cultural identity of the country.
“The events at the Karnival Kingdom Festival represent not just a lapse in judgment, but a serious challenge to the rule of law and the values we uphold as a nation,” the statement noted.
The Christian Council also expressed concern over claims that some participants at the festival were provided police protection, stating that the development raises questions about the conduct of institutions responsible for maintaining public order.
It subsequently called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the festival, including the processes through which permits were granted and the reasons for the deployment of security personnel.
While acknowledging the importance of cultural exchange and international engagement, the Council stressed that all activities organised in Ghana must respect the country’s laws, traditions and societal norms.
“Imported cultural expressions cannot supersede the legal and moral standards that govern public life in our nation,” it added.
The Council further urged state institutions to uphold accountability and avoid any actions that could create the impression of endorsing behaviour that contravenes Ghanaian laws, while also cautioning against politicising the matter or interfering with ongoing investigations.
Source:
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