Catholic Bishops condemn public nudity at Karnival Festival, demand probe into police role

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has criticised incidents of public nudity at the Karnival Kingdom Festival, describing them as offensive, unlawful, and inconsistent with Ghana’s moral values.

In a statement signed by its President, Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Conference said the event, held between April 22 and 28, undermined national values and violated existing laws. It described the scenes as an “eyesore” that conflicted with provisions of the Criminal Offences Act.

The Bishops also expressed concern over the presence of police officers at the festival, questioning whether appropriate oversight had been exercised by state institutions. They called for an immediate and independent investigation into the event, particularly the role played by public authorities.

They further supported calls by Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour for a probe into the matter, stressing that all cultural or entertainment events must comply with Ghanaian laws and societal norms.

According to the Conference, the festival highlights growing tensions between foreign-influenced cultural practices and Ghana’s legal and moral framework. It warned that allowing such activities to go unchecked could erode societal values.

The Bishops also demanded clarity on which authorities approved the event and authorised police deployment, raising concerns that agencies tasked with maintaining order may have enabled the misconduct instead of preventing it.

To avoid similar incidents, the Conference called for a review of event approval processes, including stricter guidelines on public decency. It also urged authorities to examine the justification for police involvement and ensure accountability where necessary.

Additionally, the Bishops proposed a broader national discussion on the limits of cultural expression in public spaces, particularly in relation to Ghana’s legal and ethical standards.

They concluded by warning that providing police protection for activities that violate the law represents a serious lapse in duty and stressed the urgent need for stricter enforcement of regulations.