GTA closes down 3 facilities for contravening tourism regulations
The Tema Regional office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Friday closed down three facilities for contravening tourism regulations.
The facilities are Zar Zars Restaurant and Beauty Hotel, which failed to submit their operational books to GTA officials for inspection, and Majeheh Hotel, which did not meet minimum requirements for operating, and also disregarded COVID-19 protocol.
The GTA Manager for Tema Region, Mr Charles Buabin, led officials of his outfit to carry out the exercise with support from the Ghana Police Service.
He said the exercise was to ensure that owners of tourism facilities fulfilled their obligations in accordance with Act 2011 ACT 817 and to contribute to the Tourism Development Fund.
Mr Buabin said though the fund is to generate funds for tourism and tourism-related projects and programmes, owners of some facilities had defaulted in payment into the fund.
He said those who failed to submit their operational books for inspection by GTA officials, have committed offence under section 40 of ACT 817, and offenders would be liable to summary conviction to a fine of not more than 150 penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than 12 months or to both.
Mr Buabin explained that when all persuasion failed, the GTA was compelled to shut the facilities until such time that they submitted their books for evaluation and payment.
He said the two-week exercise would cover tourism establishments in Tema Metropolis, Tema West Municipality, Ashaiman Municipality, Shai Osudoku, Ningo Prampram District, Ada East, Ada West and Kpone-Katamanso districts.
Mr Buabin said when the GTA went to Zar Zars Restaurant at Tema Community 11, the operator failed to provide operational books and the facility was closed down.
He said when the team went to Beauty Hotel, the manager was not present and the facility was closed down, and at Majeheh Hotel, at Batsonaa, COVID-19 protocol was not being respected.
FROM GODFRED BLAY GIBBAH, TEMA
