GTA shuts down Elmina Beach Resort, three others over regulatory breaches

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in the Central Region has temporarily closed four hospitality facilities for violating various tourism regulations.

The affected establishments are Elmina Beach Resort in Elmina, Savoy Hotel, Veke Executive Lodge and Wiz Homes, an Airbnb facility, all located in Cape Coast.

The GTA said some of the facilities were operating without valid licences, while others had failed to pay the required tourism levy or were providing substandard services.

The Authority also issued caution notices to some unlicensed facilities that were not yet operational but were reportedly preparing to accommodate visitors during the upcoming Oguaa Fetu Afahye celebrations.

The closures form part of an ongoing enforcement exercise by the GTA aimed at ensuring compliance within the hospitality sector ahead of the September festival.

Central Regional Director of Tourism, Charles Buabin, told the Ghana News Agency that the affected establishments were shut down after failing to comply with several warnings from the Authority.

He explained that all accommodation businesses, including Airbnb properties, are required by law to register with the GTA and obtain the necessary licence before operating.

According to him, the closed facilities must correct the identified violations and pay applicable fines before they can resume operations.

Mr Buabin also urged the public to verify the licensing status of accommodation facilities and ensure their licences are valid before booking or patronising them.

He added that the enforcement exercise would continue across the region, particularly during the festive period, to improve standards in the hospitality industry and protect customers.