The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has officially stated it did not approve the recent Karnival Kingdom Festival held in Accra. The ministry confirmed no proposals or requests for sanction were received for the event from April 22 to 28, 2026. This clarifies the ministry's position after public concerns were raised about the festival's activities.
The statement, signed by Sector Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie, underscored that the ministry neither endorsed nor authorized the event. It expressed unawareness of any approval processes that allowed the festival to proceed. The ministry acknowledged widespread discussion and public unease, particularly concerning culturally unacceptable materials circulated on social media. As the government's body for tourism and arts, it stressed the necessity of following proper procedures for public event organization.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference also issued a strong condemnation. They denounced the publicized acts of "public nudity" during the festival. The bishops described these acts as a violation of Section 278 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Their statement, signed by Conference President Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, called for an investigation into state institutions' roles. They also questioned the importation of foreign cultural practices that contravene Ghanaian law.
A significant concern for the bishops was the reported police protection provided to festival participants. This detail raises serious questions about official oversight and the enforcement of laws. The conference demanded a thorough, impartial investigation into the matter. They also called for a review of event permitting processes. This review should include clear decency guidelines. An inquiry into why police protection was granted is also a key demand. The bishops believe governance questions regarding approvals and police deployment must be answered. They suggested state agencies may have facilitated misconduct instead of preventing it.
The bishops commended Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour for his call for accountability. They urged all parties to allow the investigation to proceed without political interference. The conference stressed that cultural programmes must be carefully considered. They highlighted a clash between global festival culture and Ghana's legal standards. An imported event cannot be exempt from Ghanaian law. Cultural exchange must respect host nation laws and values. Providing police protection for criminal acts represents a serious failure of duty. Enforcement of existing laws is urgently needed.
The Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its dedication to promoting tourism and culture. This commitment includes upholding Ghanaian laws, values, and public decency. The ministry aims to preserve national cultural identity. This incident highlights potential gaps in regulatory oversight for large public gatherings. It also brings to the fore debates about cultural expression versus public morality. Future events may face intensified scrutiny from both the ministry and civil society groups seeking to uphold traditional values and legal frameworks.