Operators of tourist facilities urged to strive for excellence

Mr. Ekow Sampson, Ashanti Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has emphasized the need for tourist facilities to adhere to good practices.

This, he said, was necessary to promote and market the country as a tourist destination for the growth of the economy.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, the Regional Manager said it was important for tourist facilities to shun unhealthy practices, citing the proliferation of unlicensed facilities in the country in recent times as an example.

“The GTA is worried over how some unscrupulous persons are operating facilities which are unregistered and unlicensed to the detriment of the safety of the public”, Mr. Sampson said.

He said his outfit had mounted an intensive exercise to close down all illegal facilities in the Ashanti Region to protect tourists and the public.

He also expressed concern at the reluctance of some operators to collect their licenses, saying GTA would have no other choice than to apply the necessary sanctions against the culprits through the payment of penalties.

Facilities which had so far refused to collect their licenses in spite of several notices include the Promise Land, Pink Panther, Royal Basin, Silicon, Diamond, Aches, Campania, Ceci, Tonygina, Abidjan, Lizpo and Time Hotels.

Others include, the K.B. Super Executive, Ask Guest, Sir Tony’s and Cozy Lodge, as well as Worae Premier, Krobea Asantewaa, Badu Birago and Sun Star Guest House.

Mr. Sampson said restaurants which were also operating without license included Cumba, Hollandaise, Kassab Foods, Asab, Gimens Catering and City View, whilst Boka Tough, One Touch, Saat, Achilinks, Homeland and Teekept Travel and Tours were also operating illegally.

In addition the Café Maserati Night Club and Just Link Car Rentals had also not yet collected their licenses.

Source: GNA