The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has cautioned operators of Airbnb and other short-stay accommodation facilities to register and obtain the required licences before starting operations.
The warning comes as the GTA steps up enforcement of regulations governing hospitality businesses in the Central Region. The exercise has already resulted in the temporary closure of four facilities for various breaches of the rules.
The affected establishments are Wiz Homes, an Airbnb facility in Cape Coast, Elmina Beach Resort, Savoy Hotel and Veke Executive Lodge.
According to the Regional Director of Tourism, Charles Buabin, operators cannot avoid the country’s licensing requirements simply because they provide accommodation through platforms such as Airbnb.
He explained that Ghanaian law requires all accommodation businesses to be registered and licensed, regardless of the platform they use to attract customers.
“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,” Mr Buabin said.
He stressed that the requirement applies to all businesses providing accommodation services and is not limited to traditional hotels and guesthouses.
Mr Buabin said facilities found operating without the appropriate permits would be required to regularise their businesses and meet all relevant regulatory requirements before they can continue operating.
The Tourism Authority has also encouraged members of the public to be more careful when choosing accommodation facilities. Customers are advised to confirm whether an establishment has a valid GTA licence before booking or using its services.
