Ghana Tourism Authority goes to town to clamp down illegal enterprises operating in Ashanti Region

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in the Ashanti Region has launched a month-long enforcement campaign to crack down on unlicensed tourism enterprises.

The operation was officially announced during a press briefing held at the Miklin Hotel in Danyame, Kumasi.

Addressing the media, Ashanti Regional Director of the GTA, Mr. Frederick Adjei-Rudolph, stated that the clampdown is in line with the Tourism Act 817 of 2011, which mandates the Authority to register and license all tourism-related businesses in 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 emphasized, adding that licenses from other agencies are not a substitute for GTA certification.

The enforcement task force includes GTA inspectors, officers from the Ghana Police Service, and members of the media. They will inspect over 200 establishments across the region, including hotels, travel and tour companies, food and beverage operators, entertainment venues, and businesses that have defaulted on the Tourism Levy.

The exercise will target several categories of violations, such as unregistered and unlicensed businesses, licensed establishments that fail to display their permits, substandard enterprises whose licenses were not renewed, and companies that have failed to pay the Tourism Levy for periods ranging from three months to three years.

Mr. Adjei-Rudolph expressed concern over the conduct of some operators who, despite multiple engagements, have refused to comply with the law. He disclosed that some even go as far as threatening enforcement officers.

Businesses found to be in breach will face immediate closure. Closure notices will be posted, and in some cases, keys will be confiscated. Police officers will guard these premises to prevent reopening until the businesses meet all regulatory requirements. Guests currently staying in affected facilities will be asked to vacate.

The GTA is calling on stakeholders, including the Ghana Hotels Association, Hostels Association, Car Rental Association, Tour Operators, and the Traditional Caterers Association, to support the initiative by encouraging their members to comply with the law.

Mr. Adjei-Rudolph also appealed to the media to support public education efforts.

“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,” he stated.

Though acknowledging the difficulty of shutting down businesses, Mr. Adjei-Rudolph said the action is necessary to restore order and ensure the sustainability and credibility of the sector.

“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,” he stated.

The Ghana Tourism Authority says it is focused on building a safe, fair, and well-regulated tourism sector in the Ashanti Region, and is urging all industry players to support this mission.