Ghana Tourism Authority shuts down sub-standard and unlicensed hotels and restaurants in Central Region enforcement exercise

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Wednesday closed down several unlicensed and sub-standard tourism facilities across the Central Region, including hotels and restaurants, as part of a nationwide inspection and enforcement drive.

Among the affected establishments were Hotel Central near the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, VEKE Executive Lodge at Akyim, and two Chicken Pizza branches located opposite Becky Kay and near the University of Cape Coast’s Ayensu Road. Others included Fredumens Hotel at Moree Junction in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District and 4:30 Guest House at Saltpond in the Mfantseman Municipality.

The GTA taskforce explained that the exercise was aimed at ensuring full compliance with regulations governing the hospitality sector. However, some managers of the affected facilities expressed frustration over what they described as cumbersome registration procedures, involving multiple agencies such as the Registrar General’s Department, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and local assemblies.

Responding to these concerns, Mr Charles Kwaku Buabin, Regional Director of the GTA, pledged the Authority’s support to streamline and speed up the registration process. He emphasised that the enforcement action was necessary to protect public safety and guarantee service standards.

“Service delivery and safety of patrons to these tourism facilities cannot be taken for granted, thus the Ghana Tourism Authority, with strict adherence to its mandate and responsibility to maintain standards,” Mr Buabin stated.

He revealed that many of the closed facilities had failed to secure or renew operational licenses, pay licensing fees, or remit the mandatory one per cent tourism levy. “Some have not registered at all, others have started but not completed their registration, and some were licensed but have failed to renew it,” he said.

Mr Buabin cautioned that while prosecution was the final stage of enforcement, non-compliant operators risked legal action if they failed to regularise their operations.

He further advised the public to verify the licensing status of tourism facilities before using them. “Always check for a facility’s operational license. If it doesn’t have one, it is unsafe to visit as proper hygiene and safety cannot be guaranteed. Also, watch out for closure notices; if you see one, avoid that facility,” he warned.

The GTA says the exercise is part of its wider mandate to sanitise the industry and safeguard the welfare of patrons.