The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has endorsed the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s stance on the controversial events that unfolded at the Karnival Kingdom Festival, which was held from April 22 – 28, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Chairperson, Rt. Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. B. D. K. Agbeko, the CCG, unequivocally condemned the display of public nudity during the festival, describing it as an offense to “public decency” and a “violation of Ghanaian law;” specifically Section 278 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
“The CCG aligns fully with the position of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference regarding the deeply concerning events that occurred during the Karnival Kingdom Festival held from 22 – 28 April 2026,” part of the statement read.
The council asserted that such conduct undermines the “moral fabric” and cultural values that define Ghanaian society.
The CCG expressed deep concern that participants involved in the indecent acts received police protection, prompting questions about the role of state institutions in upholding law and order.
The council therefore called for a full, transparent, and impartial investigation into all circumstances surrounding the event, including the granting of permits and the deployment of security personnel.
The CCG echoed concerns raised by lawmaker John Ntim Fordjour, emphasizing the need for accountability in governance.
While acknowledging the importance of cultural exchange and global engagement, the CCG stressed that any imported cultural expressions must be grounded in respect for Ghana’s laws, traditions, and societal norms, and cannot supersede the legal and moral standards that govern public life in the nation.
The council further emphasized that institutions responsible for safeguarding public morality must not endorse or shield actions that contravene established laws.
It urged non‑interference in any investigative processes, allowing due process to proceed without politicization, to ensure the integrity of public institutions through consistent and impartial enforcement of the law.
In its recommendations, the CCG advocated for a thorough and independent investigation with publicly released findings, a comprehensive review of event‑permitting processes to incorporate clear guidelines on public decency, accountability for any misuse of state resources, including police protection, and the initiation of a broad national dialogue on the boundaries of cultural expression in public spaces.
The CCG concluded that the incidents at the Karnival Kingdom Festival represent not merely a lapse in judgment but a serious challenge to the rule of law and the values upheld by the nation.
The council stands with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference in calling for urgent corrective action to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
