The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in the Central Region has temporarily closed four hospitality establishments over alleged breaches of tourism regulations.
The affected facilities are Elmina Beach Resort in Elmina, Savoy Hotel, Veke Executive Lodge and Wiz Homes, an Airbnb accommodation facility in Cape Coast.
The enforcement action forms part of the GTA’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with Ghana’s tourism laws and hospitality industry regulations, particularly ahead of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye celebrations in September.
Facilities Closed Over Licensing and Service Issues
According to the Ghana Tourism Authority, some of the affected establishments were operating without valid tourism licences, while others had failed to pay the required tourism levy.
The facilities were also cited for issues including substandard accommodation, poor service delivery and other regulatory violations.
The GTA additionally issued caution notices at some unlicensed facilities that were not yet operational but were reportedly preparing to accommodate visitors during the Fetu Afahye festivities.
GTA Intensifies Tourism Enforcement in Central Region
Regional Director of Tourism Charles Buabin said the establishments were closed after allegedly failing to respond to several warnings issued by the Authority.
He stressed that all accommodation businesses, including Airbnb properties, are required to register and obtain the appropriate licence before commencing operations.
According to Buabin, Ghana’s tourism regulations require accommodation providers to meet established standards regardless of the type of business model they operate under.
Closed Facilities Must Meet Requirements Before Reopening
The affected hospitality businesses will be required to correct identified deficiencies and pay applicable regulatory penalties before they can be allowed to resume operations.
The GTA has also advised tourists, travellers and other members of the public to verify the licensing status of hotels, lodges, resorts and other accommodation facilities before making bookings.
The Authority said customers should ensure that hospitality establishments have valid tourism licences before patronising them.
GTA Warns Non-Compliant Hospitality Businesses
The Ghana Tourism Authority has warned that its enforcement campaign will continue across the Central Region.
The exercise is expected to intensify during the festive season as the GTA seeks to improve standards within Ghana’s hospitality and tourism industry and protect visitors from substandard services.
The enforcement drive is particularly significant ahead of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, when Cape Coast and surrounding communities are expected to welcome large numbers of visitors.
Source: newsthemegh.com