Eastern Region: Tourism Authority closes down 12 facilities, plans to close 13 more

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has closed down 12 eatery and hospitality facilities in Koforidua after some were found to be operating without a GTA operational license, while others had expired licenses.

The move is part of a 10-day exercise to close down about 25 non-compliant facilities within the Eastern Region. 

The Eastern Regional Director of the GTA, Mr Frederick Rudolph-Adjei said attempts to have the facilities complaint have failed since 2019. He says the facilities have since been in violation of L.I. 2238 and L. I. 2239 of the Tourism Regulations 2016. 

"They do not have the GTA Operational License to operate. Some have not registered at all; some have started but have not completed their registration, and others have been licensed but failed to renew it at a cost of GH¢ 50.00.

The law says that, if you don't have the license regardless of the reasons you should not operate. Some of the facilities that are being closed down today have been closed down before; some have operated for over four years without a license. The last part of the exercise is prosecution and we hope we don't get there; but if we do, they will face law,” he explained. 

Facilities affected include the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwifery Association Guest House, Hotel De Gadon, Hallelujah Hostel, Boahemaa Courtyard Hotel, Frontline Hostel, Elite Hostel, Madiba Hostel, Eredec Hostel, Holiwood Canteen, Afi Local Kitchen, Acapolco Chop Bar, and AKA Moondie Guest House. 

Others are Canasco Hotel, Nene Ekpeku Lodge, Apple's Spot, Garden Bridge Hotel, Jamrok Bar & Event Centre, Palimen Hotel, Lucky Sam's Guest House, Saeko Hospitality Complex-Annex, Queenstar Hostel, Royal Gate Guest House, Riches of Glory Guest House, Lavco Hotel, No Case Guest House.