Twelve lodging establishments in two towns were shut down by the Ghana Tourist Authority in the Eastern Region for breaking tourism laws.
According to authorities, a total of 25 hospitality establishments are anticipated to close down in the Eastern Region during the following nine days.
Frederick Adjei-Rudolf, the Eastern Regional Director of the Authority (GTA), claims that the state loses money when hotels offer subpar services, undermining any progress made in the tourist and hotel industries.
If you remember, we started a similar activity at Kwahu somewhere in April. Some facilities are functioning unlawfully, which implies they lack a legitimate operating licence, which is against the law.
We aim to screen out those who work in the tourist industry. We have done a lot in the past five years to promote the country, so if these facilities are operating without the necessary licence, we are losing money and, more importantly, they would be offering subpar services, which would somewhat derail the kind of hospitality and tourism industry we are constructing. Additionally, it is unfair for some people to act morally upright while others do not.
After multiple warnings, a number of the shuttered hospitality facilities have not registered to use a legal licence. While many overdue yearly operational licence payments, some applicants have not finished the necessary steps to get licenced.
Four private hostels that house Koforidua Technical University students are included in the 10 hospitality facilities. The remaining amenities consist of five hotels and three canteens.
For food, beverage, and entertainment establishments, the yearly licencing price is GH 50. Failure to pay results in a fine of GH 50 after several notices, as well as a GH 600 operating cost for the execution of the closure notice.
Guest homes, hotels, and other facilities are unable to function as a result of the GTA's enforcement notice unless due diligence is completed within the next 24 hours.
Some of the owners of the lodging businesses acknowledged breaking the law, while others provided justifications.
"I'm prepared to cover the fine. I told them I don't have enough money when they last visited here. In accordance with Section 12 of the tourism rules, LI 2239 Tourism Regulations, 2016, it is prohibited for anybody without a licence granted in accordance with Sections 25 to 29 of the act to operate in the business of providing tourist accommodations.