The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has strongly condemned incidents of public nudity recorded during the Karnival Kingdom Festival, describing the displays as offensive, unlawful, and inconsistent with Ghana’s moral and legal standards.
In a statement signed by its President, Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Conference said the week-long event, held from April 22 to 28, undermined national values and breached provisions of Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
“The event was an eyesore, denigrated our values as a nation and breached the laws of our land,” the statement noted, citing Section 278 of the Act.
The Bishops also raised concerns over the reported presence of police personnel at the festival, questioning whether the appropriate level of oversight was exercised by state institutions.
“The presence of police protection for participants raises serious questions about official oversight,” the statement added.
They called for an immediate and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event, including the role played by public authorities and the processes through which permits were granted.
The Conference further backed calls by Assin South Member of Parliament, John Ntim Fordjour, for a full probe into the incident.
According to the Bishops, all cultural and entertainment activities held in Ghana must strictly adhere to the country’s legal framework and societal norms, stressing that foreign-inspired events cannot operate outside established laws.
They described the festival as indicative of growing tension between imported cultural expressions and Ghana’s traditional moral standards, warning that unchecked practices risk eroding societal values.
“The Conference is deeply concerned that state agencies responsible for protecting public order may have facilitated rather than prevented this misconduct,” the statement said.
To prevent a recurrence, the Bishops called for a comprehensive review of event permitting processes, including the establishment of clear guidelines on public decency.
They also urged authorities to investigate the rationale behind police involvement and ensure accountability where breaches of duty are identified. Additionally, the Conference advocated for a broader national dialogue on the limits of cultural expression in public spaces, particularly in relation to Ghana’s legal and ethical standards.
“Provision of police protection for acts that breach the criminal code represents a serious failure of official duty. Enforcement of laws is urgently needed,” the statement concluded.