Tourism police task force unveiled

STORY: CHARITY A. SACKITEY

The Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and the Tourism Safety and Security (TOSS), a non-governmental organisation, has officially outdoored the Ghana Tourism Police Task Force (GTPTF).

The GTPTF will be a specialised unit within the Ghana police to provide security and safety for tourists and at tourism sites patronised by tourists within Ghana.

In an address, DSP Reuben Asiwoko from the Ghana police said the concern of the tourism police unit with regard to providing security and safety will focus on places where tourists patronise, that include beaches, highways, towns and cities, streets, airports, bus stops, public parks and gardens and hotels.

Other places are lodges, entertainment centres, spots, museums and market places.

“The core functions of the task force will be to protect the lives of tourists and take complaints of tourists, handle and receive enquiries and claims, investigate tourist-related crimes and prosecute offenders,” DSP Asiwoko stressed.

He went on to add that GTPTF will ensue that all tourism and tourist-related establishments are registered and licensed, and will ensure that copies of all mandatory documents are submitted to the board during the registration process.

“Some of these mandatory documents include business registration documents from the registrar general’s department, building permit from city or district engineer’s department or the appropriate authority, department permit, change of use of permit from town and country planning department, police permit from Ghana police service in respect of security of premises and criminal records of proprietor or key personnel,” said DSP Asiwoko.

He noted that tourist sites and centres are required to have important documents such as a certificate from the Ghana National Fire Service in line with fire safety regulations.

“Owners of tourism facilities are also encouraged to ensure that their operating licenses are issued and renewed annually after inspection, recommendation and approval by the GTB,” noted DSP Asiwoko.

He explained that all establishments are also expected to display valid operational licenses at the first point of call on their premises.

“The Tourism Police Task Force will close down the following categories of illegal operators:

unregistered establishment, establishments whose registration has not been concluded as result of non-submission of copies of mandatory documents and non-submission of registration forms, non-recommended establishments which have failed to meet minimum requirements for licensing and have not rectified defects identified during previous inspection, establishments whose licenses have not been collected and displayed,” he warned.

DSP Asiwoko further explained that tourist establishments which do not display valid license will not be allowed to operate because apart from going against the law, it is an infringement on tourism safety and security policy.

“Tourism is assuming a greater importance and therefore safety and security dimensions are very important and will not be compromised,” he stated.