The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has alerted police after social media reports surfaced alleging that a minor was taken to a hotel in Accra New Town under suspicious circumstances.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which has raised concerns over child safety in the hospitality sector.
In an official statement, the GTA confirmed it had formally reported the case to the Nima Divisional Police Command. The agency’s CEO, Maame Efua Houadjeto, dispatched a delegation including senior officials Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey and Ekow Sampson to inspect the facility alongside Greater Accra Regional Director Roberta Dawson-Amoah and marketing deputy Clara Nketiah. The team’s visit aimed to verify the allegations and determine potential regulatory violations.
“We commend the Ghana Police Service for their cooperation in this investigation,” the GTA said, underscoring its commitment to enforcing safety standards. While details remain scarce, the case has reignited scrutiny of child protection measures in Ghana’s tourism industry, where enforcement gaps occasionally surface despite existing laws.
The incident follows broader efforts by Ghanaian authorities to crack down on exploitation in hospitality venues, including periodic compliance checks and partnerships with law enforcement. Observers note that swift responses to such allegations are critical to maintaining public trust, particularly as Ghana positions itself as a family-friendly travel destination. Police have yet to disclose further findings, but the GTA has pledged full cooperation as the probe continues.
Child rights advocates stress the need for heightened vigilance, urging hotels to enforce strict guest identification protocols. The case also highlights the role of social media in exposing potential abuses, though officials caution against premature judgments before investigations conclude. For now, the GTA’s prompt action signals a zero-tolerance stance a message likely to resonate across an industry keen to uphold its reputation.
Below is the full statement…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GTA ACTS ON CONCERNS OF MINORS ALLEGEDLY TAKEN TO HOTEL IN ACCRA NEW TOWN
Accra Ghana- April 22, 2025 The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has taken swift action following reports circulating on social media regarding an incident involving minors allegedly taken to a hotel in Accra New Town.
The case has been formally reported to the Nima Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation. In line with our mandate to ensure safety and compliance in the tourism and hospitality sector, our CEO Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto delegated a team from the GTA Head Office, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO, Special Duties and Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, Operations who joined the Greater Accra Regional Director, Ms. Roberta Dawson-Amoah, and the Deputy Director of Marketing, Ms. Clara Nketiah, to visit the said facility.
The objective was to verify the facts on the ground and take necessary regulatory action. We commend the Ghana Police Service for their co-operation and continued support in the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the team inspected Royal Dede Beach Resort, which has been converted into a hostel under new management without official notification to the Ghana Tourism Authority. The team discovered that the hostel’s operations were not in compliance with the L. I 2239. Meanwhile the operator has been directed to the Standards and Quality Assurance Department of the Authority for the necessary regulation.
We remind all accommodation operators that the Tourism (Registration and *Licensing of Accommodation) Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2239) mandates every facility to register and obtain a license from the GTA before commencing operations. This regulation ensures quality, safety, and compliance across the industry.
The GTA remains committed to safeguarding the public and upholding the highest standards in the hospitality sector. We urge the public to report suspicious or non-compliant facilities to the nearest GTA office.
ISSUED BY THE GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY
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