Tourism Ministry Distances Itself From Karnival Kingdom Festival, Says It Gave No Approval
Ministry says it received no formal request from organisers as controversy grows over activities associated with the festival
Date: May 8, 2026
By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has distanced itself from the recently held Karnival Kingdom Festival in Accra, stating that it neither approved, endorsed, sanctioned nor authorised the event.
The Ministry made its position known in a statement signed by the sector Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, following growing public discussion and criticism surrounding activities associated with the festival.
According to the Ministry, it did not receive any correspondence, proposal, request for approval or official communication from the organisers regarding the staging of the event.
The Ministry further said it was unaware of the processes through which the festival was allegedly approved to take place in Ghana.
Ministry says it was not involved
The clarification from the Ministry comes after the maiden edition of the Karnival Kingdom Festival attracted considerable attention in Accra and generated mixed reactions from sections of the public.
The festival, held from April 22 to 28, 2026, featured carnival activities, music, street processions, themed parties and other entertainment programmes.
While some patrons welcomed the event and its international carnival atmosphere, other members of the public raised concerns about some of the activities and materials associated with the festival, particularly content circulated on social media.
The Ministry said the public concerns made it necessary to clarify its position and reaffirm its responsibility as the supervisory institution for Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative arts sector.
“The Ministry further clarifies that it neither endorsed, sanctioned, nor authorised the staging of the event,” the statement said.
Organisers reminded to obtain approval
The Ministry has subsequently reminded organisers of tourism, cultural, entertainment and recreational events that they are required to formally engage the appropriate state institutions and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals before staging public events.
According to the Ministry, compliance with established procedures is important to ensure that events organised in Ghana meet the country’s legal and regulatory requirements.
It stressed that cultural and entertainment activities must also respect Ghana’s values, cultural identity and standards of public decency.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting tourism and cultural initiatives that comply with national laws while helping to promote Ghana as a safe and culturally relevant destination.
Catholic Bishops raise concerns
The controversy surrounding Karnival Kingdom has also drawn strong reactions from religious organisations.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference condemned what it described as public nudity during the festival and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.
The Bishops also questioned the role of state institutions and raised concerns about reports that police protection was provided during the event.
The Conference called for an impartial investigation, including a review of the permitting process and an examination of why security personnel were deployed to protect participants.
It also called for a national discussion on the limits of cultural expression in public spaces.
Pentecostal and Charismatic Council joins criticism
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) also expressed concern over activities associated with the festival.
The Council acknowledged that citizens have constitutional rights to freedom of expression but argued that such freedoms must be exercised alongside respect for Ghanaian laws, cultural sensitivities and the rights of other members of society.
The GPCC was particularly concerned about the exposure of children and young people to what it considered inappropriate content in public spaces.
It suggested that there appeared to have been shortcomings in the way the event was assessed and approved by relevant institutions.
Debate over cultural exchange
The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about cultural exchange and the extent to which international entertainment concepts should be adapted to Ghanaian society.
Karnival Kingdom was presented as a Caribbean-African cultural and entertainment experience, incorporating elements of carnival culture, music and nightlife.
Supporters of such events argue that international cultural festivals can attract tourists, create jobs and expose Ghanaian audiences to different forms of entertainment.
However, critics insist that imported cultural concepts must still comply with Ghanaian laws and respect the country’s social and cultural values.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference, for instance, stressed that cultural exchange does not exempt organisers from complying with Ghanaian law.
Ministry stresses public decency
For the Tourism Ministry, the controversy highlights the importance of proper institutional engagement before major public events are organised.
The Ministry said it remains committed to preserving and promoting Ghanaian culture while supporting tourism and creative-sector initiatives that operate within the country’s legal framework.
It also emphasised the importance of maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a safe destination for both local and international visitors.
The Ministry’s position means that organisers of future festivals and entertainment programmes will be expected to engage the relevant authorities and secure the necessary approvals before proceeding.
Karnival Kingdom 2027 already being promoted
Despite the controversy surrounding the first edition, organisers of Karnival Kingdom have already announced plans for another edition.
Pre-sales for Karnival Kingdom 2027 have reportedly opened, with organisers promoting activities including the Accra Carnival, jouvert celebrations, themed parties, excursions and other entertainment experiences.
The development means the debate surrounding the festival could continue, particularly regarding the regulatory processes that will govern any future edition.
What happens next?
The Tourism Ministry’s clarification has placed the spotlight on the procedures through which the 2026 festival was organised and allowed to take place.
Questions remain about which institutions granted the relevant permissions, what approvals were obtained and whether those processes complied with Ghana’s regulatory requirements.
For the Ministry, however, its position is clear: it did not approve or endorse Karnival Kingdom Festival.
As Ghana continues to position itself as a major tourism and entertainment destination, the controversy has also highlighted the need to balance international cultural exchange with the country’s laws, cultural identity and expectations regarding public conduct.
The debate surrounding Karnival Kingdom is therefore likely to continue as organisers prepare for the proposed 2027 edition and authorities consider how similar events should be regulated in the future.
