The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Hoteliers Association, Simon Aluzeele, has warned that multiple taxes, levies and penalty charges imposed on hotels by regulatory agencies are putting pressure on businesses and threatening their sustainability.
Mr Aluzeele, who is also Manager of Tap Hotel, has consequently called on the government and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to develop a harmonised framework for charges imposed on businesses in the hospitality sector.
“Our members across the various regions continue to grapple with the overwhelming multiplicity of taxes, levies and penalty charges imposed by agencies including the EPA, FDA, the Fire Service, the Municipal Assemblies and a host of other regulatory bodies,” he said.
Mr Aluzeele was speaking at the Ghana Tourism Authority’s 2026 Upper East Regional Tourism Awards held at Akayet Hotel in Bolgatanga.
He said the cumulative cost of the charges is affecting the profitability of hotels and could discourage investment in the hospitality sector.
“This multiplicity does not only erode profitability; it discourages us and undermines our competitiveness within the destination in the southern regions,” he stated.
Mr Aluzeele called on the government and the GTA, which regulates the tourism industry, to initiate discussions towards harmonising the various charges imposed on hospitality businesses.
“Our theme is about crossing borders. We respectfully renew our appeal to government and the Ghana Tourism Authority, our principal regulator, to initiate a harmonised framework that will keep us in business,” he said.
He argued that reducing the regulatory and financial burden on hotels would help businesses remain operational and strengthen their contribution to employment and the local economy.
The 2026 Upper East Regional Tourism Awards brought together hoteliers, tourism operators, government officials and other industry stakeholders to recognise individuals and institutions in the sector.
The event was held under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence Beyond Borders: The Black Star Experience.”
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