Tourism Ministry distances itself from Karnival Kingdom Festival

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA) has officially clarified that it neither endorsed nor authorized the recently held Karnival Kingdom Festival in Accra.

In a press release dated May 7, 2026, and signed by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Ministry stated unequivocally that it did not receive any correspondence, proposal, request for approval, or official communication regarding the organisation of the festival.

According to the statement, the Ministry was not involved in approving or sanctioning the event and is therefore unaware of the processes through which the festival was purportedly cleared to take place in Ghana.

The clarification comes in the wake of public backlash and widespread discussions surrounding some activities and materials associated with the event, particularly content circulated on social media which many described as culturally inappropriate and unacceptable.

“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns raised by various stakeholders and sections of the public relating to the nature and conduct of the festival,” the statement noted.

As the supervisory institution for the tourism, culture and creative arts sector, the Ministry emphasized the need for all organisers of tourism, entertainment, cultural and recreational events to strictly adhere to established regulatory procedures and institutional engagements before hosting such activities in the country.

The Ministry further urged event organisers to formally engage the appropriate state institutions and secure all necessary approvals prior to staging public events.

Reaffirming its commitment to preserving Ghana’s cultural identity and public decency, the Ministry stated that it remains dedicated to promoting tourism and cultural activities that respect the laws and values of the country while protecting Ghana’s reputation as a safe and culturally respected destination.