No Approval Given! Tourism Ministry Disowns Karnival Kingdom Festival

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA) has officially clarified that it did not approve, endorse, sanction, or authorise the staging of the recently held Karnival Kingdom Festival in Accra.

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

According to the Ministry, it is therefore unaware of the processes through which the event was purportedly approved to take place in Ghana.

The clarification follows growing public concerns and widespread discussions over activities associated with the festival, particularly after materials considered culturally inappropriate circulated widely on social media.

The Ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by various stakeholders and sections of the public regarding the nature and conduct of the event.

As the supervisory public institution responsible for the tourism, culture, and creative arts sector, the Ministry stressed the importance of complying with established regulatory procedures and institutional engagements when organising public events, including festivals.

It further reminded organisers of tourism, cultural, entertainment, and recreational events to formally engage the appropriate state institutions and obtain all necessary regulatory approvals before staging such activities.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to preserving, promoting, and developing tourism and cultural activities that respect Ghana’s laws, uphold the country’s cultural identity and public decency, and protect Ghana’s reputation as a safe and culturally respectful destination