Ghana’s tourism space is set for a major shake-up as the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) begins rolling out mandatory registration and licensing for facilities and service providers that support events across the country.
At a stakeholder engagement on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the GTA announced plans to bring banquet halls, conference centres, and event centres under formal regulation. Event planners, decorators, and technical teams will also be required to meet new standards before operating.
According to the Authority, the goal is to raise professionalism, protect consumers, and make Ghana’s tourism industry more competitive.
The meeting also doubled as the official launch of the Ghana Tourism Information System (GTIS): a new digital platform designed to streamline how tourism businesses interact with regulators.
Through GTIS, tour operators, hotels, and other service providers can now apply for licenses, permits, and compliance certificates online. The Authority says this should cut down paperwork, reduce delays, and improve transparency.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GTA, Maame Afua Houadjeto, said the new regulations are part of a broader push to build a modern and fair framework for the sector.
“These standards are intended to improve service delivery, strengthen trust among travelers and investors, and support the sustainable growth of tourism in Ghana,” she told stakeholders.
Industry players at the engagement welcomed the move, noting that clear rules and a digital system could help formalize a fast-growing part of the tourism value chain.
