Three Chinese Massage Spas shut down in Kumasi over lack of licence

The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has shut down three massage spas run by Chinese nationals in the Kumasi Metropolis for operating without the required licence and documentation.

The facilities, located at Ahodwo and Daban, were closed during an enforcement exercise targeting massage therapy, spa and related businesses in the Ashanti Region.

The Council's Ashanti Regional Regulation Officer, Divine Azraku, said the operators had started business without first obtaining a TMPC licence.

"Most of them were Chinese. They were more or less like foreign nationals who were operating in that space. So they're supposed to acquire our licence, that's TMPC licence, before they can operate," he said.

He said almost none of the facilities inspected had the licence, so the team closed them and posted caution notices at their entrances.

Mr Azraku explained that anyone seeking to open a spa or massage facility must first obtain a business operating permit, an association card or proof of proficiency, and documentation showing experience in the profession.

The affected operators have been directed to regularise their businesses, complete the required registration and pay fines for the violations before the facilities can reopen.

"After the fine has been paid and the necessary registration processes have been done, then we go ahead and open the facilities for them," he said.

Mr Azraku stressed that the Council was not opposed to massage and spa businesses but wanted operators to comply with the rules.

"We are not against the practice. So we want them to acquire the necessary documentation before they can start operating," he said.