Kumasi, Feb. 7, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Task Force of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), on Monday, shut down seven hotels and restaurants, in Kumasi and the Sekyere-Afram Plains district, for operating without permit. These include Stephen Brobbey's Guest House, Manhattar Hotel, 10 Downing Guest House, Grandees Restaurant, Bar Naas Catering Service, Olinas= a Bar and Restaurant, and the Echoes Valley Pub and Restaurant. Mr Matthew Osei Prempeh, Regional Quality Assurance Officer of the Board, vowed to enforce acceptable standards.

He said they would sustain the exercise to inject sanity into the industry and help bring in more revenue to support the nation's socio-economic development.

He said it was unlawful for any person or group to operate a tourist facility without license from the GTB, stating that, the task force would not relent in dealing with offenders.

Mr Prempeh cautioned the public to stay off unlicensed hotels and restaurants and said this was in their own interest and safety. Mr Peter Acheampong, Chief Marketing Officer of the Board, said the GTB's operating license could not be substituted with permits from the district assemblies, Ghana National Fire Service or revenue agencies. The GTB should be the first point of call for prospective operators in the industry since it is the official institution mandated to give approval to the running of such facilities. 7 Feb. 11

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