The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in the Ashanti Region has officially commenced a month-long enforcement exercise aimed at clamping down on illegal tourism enterprises operating without valid licenses. This announcement was made today at a press briefing held at the Miklin Hotel in Danyame, Kumasi.
Speaking at the event, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Authority, Mr. Frederick Adjei-Rudolph, emphasized that the operation is rooted in the provisions of the Tourism Act 817 of 2011, which mandates the Authority to register and license all tourism enterprises across the country.
“No tourism enterprise is permitted by law to operate without a valid operational license issued by the Ghana Tourism Authority,” Mr. Adjei-Rudolph stressed, clarifying that permits from other agencies cannot substitute for GTA-issued licenses.
The enforcement team, comprising inspectors from the Authority, officers from the Ghana Police Service, and members of the media, will target over 200 identified facilities across the region. Categories of affected enterprises include accommodation facilities, travel trade businesses, food and beverage operators, and entertainment venues, as well as defaulting contributors to the Tourism Levy.
Key Violations Targeted
The GTA’s operation will focus on:
- Unregistered and unlicensed facilities operating outside the Authority’s regulatory oversight.
- Licensed businesses that have failed to collect or display their operational licenses, as required by law.
- Sub-standard enterprises whose licenses were not renewed due to non-compliance with quality standards.
- Tourism Levy defaulters who have failed to remit mandatory payments for periods ranging from three months to three years.
Mr. Adjei-Rudolph lamented that some operators have blatantly refused to regularize their operations despite repeated engagements, with some even confronting inspectors with threats.
Method of Enforcement
Affected businesses will be shut down immediately, with closure stickers posted and keys confiscated where necessary. The Ghana Police Service will monitor these facilities to ensure they remain closed until compliance is achieved. Guests currently lodging at these venues will be asked to relocate.
Call for Support
The Regional Director appealed to stakeholders including the Ghana Hotels Association, Hostels Association, Car Rental Association, Tour Operators, and the Traditional Caterers Association to support the initiative by sensitizing their members on the importance of regulatory compliance.
He also called on the media to play their part in public education and advocacy.
“This exercise is not meant to punish, but to protect both consumers and compliant businesses from the negative impact of illegal operators,” he said. “A regulated and safe tourism environment is key to our collective success.”
Looking Ahead
While acknowledging the difficulty of shutting down businesses, Mr. Adjei-Rudolph insisted that the exercise is necessary to sanitize the industry and ensure fairness, safety, and sustainability.
“We are committed to assisting any facility that is willing to regularize its operations, but for those who refuse, we will remain firm and resolute.”
The Ghana Tourism Authority says it is determined to create a well-regulated and thriving tourism sector in the Ashanti Region, with all hands on deck.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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