Post views :7,965
The Chairperson of the Ghana Hotels Association, Greater Accra Branch, Mrs. Clare Banoeng-Yakubo, has called for improved collaboration and understanding between hoteliers and regulators, particularly the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Speaking at the Association’s monthly general meeting in Accra, Mrs. Banoeng-Yakubo, who is also the Manager of Hunters Royal Hotel at Madina, said the meeting forms part of regular engagements to discuss issues affecting hotels, staff and the broader hospitality industry.
According to her, the Association often invites key stakeholders such as the Ghana Tourism Authority, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulators to such meetings to foster dialogue and clarify regulatory expectations.
She explained that inspection exercises by the GTA sometimes create tension because some hoteliers do not fully understand the purpose and processes involved.
“A lot of the time when they go inspecting the hotels, members sometimes don’t understand why they are there. When they come, sometimes the members are not happy. They look at the reception, the rooms, the kitchen, your surroundings and if they are not in good shape, they write a report for you,” she said.
Mrs. Banoeng-Yakubo noted that hostile attitudes from both hoteliers and GTA officials during inspections do not help, stressing the need for mutual respect and rapport.
“If you come and I’m hostile to you, you are staff of GTA, there is no way you can also be friendly. If you say you won’t give me information, I’ll just say you don’t have this, you don’t have that,” she pointed out.
She said the engagement was aimed at clarifying what hoteliers are expected to do to meet standards and ensure smoother inspection processes.
Touching on the Association’s membership, Mrs. Banoeng-Yakubo disclosed that the Greater Accra Branch alone has over 200 member hotels, with the national association covering all regions.
She explained that any owner of a hotel, guest house or budget hotel can join the Association, emphasizing the benefits of collective strength.
“When you belong to an association, you feel stronger. You can’t stand on your own. If you are alone and you complain about anything, nobody will mind you. But if you are in a group like this, we take decisions together and follow up,” she said.
She added that regular engagements have helped reduce harassment from regulators, as hoteliers now better understand their obligations and are more law-abiding in paying levies and meeting regulatory requirements.
“The Association does not regulate our members. Regulation is done by assemblies, fire service, police, EPA and those who come with levies. But we try to come together to understand so that we can all comply,” she clarified.
Mrs. Banoeng-Yakubo expressed optimism that the latest engagement with the GTA would lead to better conduct on both sides during future inspections.
