17/08/2026
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in the Central Region has temporarily closed four hospitality establishments for violating various tourism regulations.
The affected facilities are Elmina Beach Resort in Elmina, Savoy Hotel, Veke Executive Lodge, and Wiz Homes, an Airbnb facility, all in Cape Coast.
The GTA said some of the establishments were operating without valid licences, while others were cited for failing to pay the tourism levy, operating substandard facilities, and providing poor services.
The enforcement exercise also targeted facilities that were not yet licensed or operational but were reportedly preparing to receive visitors during the Oguaa Fetu Afahye celebrations in September. Caution notices were subsequently posted at some of these facilities.
The closures form part of an ongoing enforcement exercise by the GTA to ensure compliance among hospitality operators ahead of the Fetu Afahye celebrations.
The Central Regional Director of Tourism, Charles Buabin, said the affected facilities had ignored several warnings issued by the Authority before the closures.
He stressed that all accommodation establishments, including Airbnb properties, are required by law to register with the GTA and obtain the necessary licence before commencing operations.
According to him, the affected facilities will only be allowed to reopen after correcting the identified deficiencies and paying the applicable regulatory fines.
Mr. Buabin has also urged the public to check the licensing status of hospitality facilities and ensure that their licences are valid before patronising them.
Sourced: GBC Radio Central