The upcoming Ghana Caribbean Association Street Walk on Oxford Street in Osu has sparked a major public conversation on public decency, youth protection, cultural values, and the enforcement of Ghanaian laws, following a strongly worded directive issued by the Osu Ashante Blohum Traditional Council.
At the centre of the development is the Oblantaa Mantse and Youth King of Osu Ashante, Nii Nortey Nsuro, who has formally called on the Ghana Police Service to deploy officers across Oxford Street during the event to ensure strict compliance with public decency laws.
In a detailed communication addressed to the Osu District Police Command and the organisers of the street walk, the traditional authority expressed deep concern over what it described as “grossly indecent attire” witnessed during a recent carnival event held on Oxford Street. According to the Youth King, participants were seen publicly wearing G-strings and other revealing outfits in the presence of children, families, and residents, causing outrage and distress within the Osu community.
The Traditional Council argues that such conduct not only undermines community values but also violates multiple provisions under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The statement specifically referenced Section 280 on indecent exposure, Section 179A on public nuisance, and Section 17 relating to obscene acts in public spaces.
The Youth King stressed that Oxford Street is more than just an entertainment hub, describing it as a daily environment where children walk to school, interact socially, and shape their understanding of acceptable public behaviour.
“As Youth King, I cannot and will not allow this to be repeated,” the statement declared, emphasizing that the protection of young people remains the Council’s highest priority.
The Osu Ashante Blohum Traditional Council further cited Article 39 of the 1992 Constitution, which calls on the State to preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage and values, as well as provisions within the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), which recognises the authority of traditional councils within their jurisdictions.
In response, the Council has issued a set of mandatory requirements for the Ghana Caribbean Association ahead of the planned street walk. These include the introduction and enforcement of a strict dress code prohibiting G-strings, bikinis, toplessness, see-through clothing, underwear worn as outerwear, and any attire deemed excessively revealing.
Organisers have also been directed to ensure security personnel are stationed at entry points with authority to deny access to participants dressed in violation of the dress code. The Council additionally requested that cover-up wraps and sarongs be made available for attendees arriving in non-compliant attire.
The Ghana Police Service has been formally asked to provide visible police presence throughout the event, enforce relevant sections of the Criminal Offences Act, and appoint a liaison officer to coordinate directly with the Traditional Council during the procession.
Despite the strong warnings, the Traditional Council maintained that it welcomes the Ghana Caribbean Association and supports cultural diversity and celebration. However, it insists that all festivities conducted within the Osu Traditional Area must respect Ghanaian laws, community values, and the dignity of residents.
“We welcome you but you must come with respect,” the statement concluded.
The issue has since generated widespread debate across social media and within sections of the public, with discussions centering on the balance between cultural expression, public freedom, morality, and the enforcement of community standards in Ghana’s public spaces.
As anticipation builds ahead of the street walk, all eyes are now on organizers , law enforcement authorities, and community leaders to see how the event will be managed under the heightened scrutiny and expectations set by the Osu Ashante Blohum Traditional Council.
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