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Tourism Ministry Distances Itself from Karnival Kingdom Festival

From Ghanaian Times · (1h ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ghana's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts denies approving or endorsing the recent Karnival Kingdom Festival held in Accra.
  • The ministry stated it received no proposals or official communication regarding the event's organization.
  • This clarification follows public criticism over the festival's activities, which included culturally unacceptable content.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has issued a strong statement distancing itself from the recent Karnival Kingdom Festival held in Accra, asserting that it neither approved nor endorsed the event. This clarification comes in response to significant public backlash and online discussions concerning activities associated with the festival, which many deemed culturally inappropriate. The ministry unequivocally stated that it had not received any proposals, requests for approval, or official communications pertaining to the organization of the festival, nor was it aware of the processes through which it allegedly received approval to proceed in Ghana.

As the primary regulatory body for the tourism, culture, and creative arts sector, the ministry emphasized its expectation that all event organizers adhere to established procedures and engage with relevant state institutions prior to staging public festivals and entertainment events. The ministry acknowledged the concerns voiced by the public and various stakeholders regarding the conduct and nature of the Karnival Kingdom Festival. It reiterated its commitment to promoting tourism and cultural activities that align with Ghana's laws, cultural values, and national identity, stressing the importance of safeguarding the country's reputation as a safe and culturally respectful destination.

The ministry urged all organizers of tourism, cultural, entertainment, and recreational events to secure the necessary approvals before proceeding with their programs. This stance underscores the government's dedication to maintaining cultural integrity and ensuring that public events contribute positively to Ghana's image and societal values. The ministry's proactive clarification aims to manage public perception and reinforce regulatory expectations within the creative industries.

The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that it neither endorsed, sanctioned nor authorised the staging of the event.

โ€” Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative ArtsThe ministry's official statement clarifying its non-involvement with the Karnival Kingdom Festival.
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Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.