The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a formal condemnation of public nudity witnessed during the Karnival Kingdom Festival, held from April 22 to 28.

In a statement signed by its President, Most Rev Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the conference described the displays as offensive, unlawful, and a violation of Ghana’s moral standards.

The bishops specifically cited Section 278 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), asserting that the event breached national laws and denigrated societal values.

A primary concern raised by the conference was the presence of police personnel at the festival.

The bishops questioned the level of oversight exercised by state institutions and expressed concern that agencies responsible for public order may have facilitated misconduct rather than preventing it.

Consequently, the conference has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the circumstances of the event, with a particular focus on the role of public authorities and the permit approval process.

The statement further supported calls by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, for a formal probe into the incident.

The bishops characterised the festival as a symptom of tension between imported cultural expressions and Ghana’s established legal and moral framework, warning that foreign-inspired activities must not operate outside the bounds of national law.

To prevent future occurrences, the conference recommended a comprehensive review of the permitting process for public events, including the implementation of clear guidelines on public decency.

The statement concluded by calling for a national dialogue on the limits of cultural expression and demanding accountability for any state officials found to have failed in their duty to enforce the criminal code.