The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has said it did not receive any correspondence or official communication regarding the organisation of the Karnival Kingdom Festival held recently in Accra.
It said it neither endorsed, sanctioned, nor authorised the staging of the event and, therefore, was unaware of the processes through which the said festival was purportedly approved to take place in the country.
“The ministry wishes to emphasise the requirement that all organisers seeking to stage tourism, cultural, entertainment or public recreational events formally engage the appropriate state institutions and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals before undertaking such activities,” a statement signed by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, said.
“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 relevant destination,” the statement added.
Concerns
The statement said the ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by various stakeholders and sections of the public relating to the nature and conduct of the festival.
“As the supervisory public institution for the tourism, culture and creative arts sector, the ministry recognises the importance of adhering to established regulatory procedures and institutional engagements in the organisation of public events, including festivals, in the country.
Criticisms
The clarification follows public concerns and widespread discussions in respect of activities associated with the event, involving some culturally controversial activities and materials circulated on social media in respect of the event.
During the week, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) condemned the act of public nudity displayed at the festival.
It consequently demanded an impartial investigation 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 signed by the President of the GCBC, said.
Pentecostal and Charismatic Council
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has issued a statement in solidarity with the GBCC and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), expressing disappointment over the acts of nudity displayed at the Karnival Kingdom Festival.
It said Ghana was a diverse nation with deeply rooted religious and cultural values that shaped public expectations regarding decency in public spaces and the protection of children and young people.
“Indeed, citizens are free to express themselves as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
“However, such freedom of expression is not absolute and must be balanced with respect for community standards, local cultural sensitivities, and the rights of others — particularly children — to be protected from exposure to sexualised content in public spaces,” a statement signed by the President of the GPCC, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, said.
Standards
That principle, it said, also reflected in the standards governing the type of content electronic media houses, especially television stations, were permitted to broadcast, even within the privacy of homes.
It said it was evident that there appeared to have been a serious lapse on the part of relevant state institutions and stakeholders in critically evaluating the request for the festival, thereby giving rise to the widespread concerns being expressed by many well-meaning Ghanaians.
The statement said the GPCC was particularly concerned that the festival was conducted in ways that many Ghanaians found offensive and incompatible with their cultural values and public decency laws.
Again, it said, it took place in a public thoroughfare and residential neighbourhood where children, young people, and families lived, worked and worshipped.
The Karnival Kingdom Festival was held in Accra from April 22 to 28, 2026.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh