The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has strongly condemned the conduct of participants at the Karnival Kingdom Festival and is calling for a full-scale investigation into how the event was approved and managed, including the involvement of state security agencies.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 4, the Conference expressed concern over reported incidents of public nudity during the festival, which took place from April 22 to 28. It described the occurrences as unacceptable and inconsistent with Ghana’s legal and moral standards.
The Bishops said the conduct at the event was offensive and contrary to national laws, referencing provisions of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which prohibits acts of public indecency.
They cautioned that while cultural exchange and international festival influences are welcome, such events must still operate within Ghana’s legal framework and respect established public standards.
“The event was an eyesore, denigrated our national values, and breached the laws of the land,” the statement said.
The statement also raised questions over the reported deployment of police officers to provide security during the festival. The Bishops said the development raises serious concerns about official oversight and law enforcement judgment.
“The presence of police protection for participants raises serious questions about official oversight,” the Conference noted.
It is therefore urging the launch of an independent investigation into the matter, insisting that the process must be free from political interference.
“We urge all parties to allow the investigative process to proceed without undue political pressure,” the statement added.
The Bishops also proposed a review of procedures governing public event permits, the introduction of clearer decency guidelines, and a broader national conversation on the limits of cultural expression.
They concluded that any failure by state institutions to prevent or halt unlawful conduct risks undermining public confidence in governance and the enforcement of the law.
