The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has publicly disassociated itself from the controversial Karnival Kingdom Festival held recently in Accra, stating that it neither approved nor sanctioned the event.
In a press release dated May 7, 2026 and signed by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Ministry clarified that it “did not receive any correspondence, proposal, request for approval, or official communication” regarding the organisation of the festival, which has sparked widespread debate and criticism on social media.
The Ministry further stressed that it was unaware of the processes through which the event was purportedly approved to take place in Ghana.
“The Ministry further clarifies that it neither endorsed, sanctioned, nor authorised the staging of the event and therefore is unaware of the processes through which the said festival was purportedly approved to take place in Ghana,” the statement said.
The clarification follows growing public concern over activities associated with the festival, including the circulation of what the Ministry described as “culturally unacceptable materials” linked to the event online.
The Ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders and sections of the Ghanaian public regarding the conduct and nature of the festival, indicating that the matter had generated significant public interest and scrutiny.
“As the Supervisory Public Institution for the Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Sector, the Ministry recognises the importance of adhering to established regulatory procedures and institutional engagements in the organisation of public events, including festivals, in the country,” the statement added.
The Ministry used the opportunity to remind event organisers of the need to engage the appropriate state institutions and secure all necessary regulatory approvals before staging tourism, cultural, entertainment, or recreational activities in the country.
It reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting Ghana’s cultural values and identity while ensuring that tourism-related activities uphold public decency and respect the laws of the country.
“We remain committed to preserving, promoting and developing tourism and cultural activities that respect the laws of the country and uphold our values, cultural identity and public decency,” the release noted.
