The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in the Central Region has temporarily shut down Elmina Beach Resort in Elmina and three other hospitality establishments for breaching various tourism regulatory requirements.

The other affected facilities are Savoy Hotel, Veke Executive Lodge, and Wiz Homes, an Airbnb property, all in Cape Coast.

The establishments were shut down as part of an ongoing GTA enforcement exercise ahead of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye celebrations in September.

The GTA said some of the facilities were operating without licences, while others were sanctioned for non-payment of the tourism levy, operating substandard facilities and providing poor services, among other regulatory breaches.

Charles Buabin, the Regional Director of Tourism, said the affected facilities were shut down after ignoring several cautions issued by the Authority.

He explained that accommodation establishments, including Airbnb properties, are required by law to register and obtain the necessary licence before commencing operations.

“In the laws of Ghana, Airbnb is not stated as a facility. All accommodation enterprises are supposed to be registered and licensed before they can operate,” he said.

Mr Buabin said the affected establishments would be required to rectify the identified defects and pay the applicable regulatory fines before they could be reopened.

The GTA also posted caution notices at some facilities that were yet to be licensed and operational but were reportedly preparing to receive visitors during the Oguaa Fetu Afahye.

Mr Buabin cautioned the public and patrons of hospitality establishments to check the licensing status of facilities and ensure their licences were valid before patronising them.

He assured the public that the enforcement exercise would continue across the region, particularly during the festive season, to sanitise the hospitality industry and ensure patrons receive standard services.