‘Open drinking bars’ faux pas: Sack GTA boss – NDC candidate

Alexander Ackuako, the National Democratic Congress’ parliamentary candidate for Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom, has called for the dismissal of the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) for not consulting the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts before issuing a statement on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 that said bars could resume operations despite the restrictions on public gathering in view of efforts to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, immediately issued a counter-statement to clarify that bars could not yet resume operations.

The minister’s statement said food chains and restaurants including hotels can operate takeout and delivery services only, adding: “Drinking bars remain closed, all night clubs remain closed.”

“The public should note that this circular supersedes the one issued by the regulator”, the minister’s statement noted.

Speaking on the Ghana Yensom show on Accra100.5FM on Thursday, 14 May 2020, Mr Ackuako said: “The GTA CEO should have been sacked yesterday [Wednesday, 13 May 2020] for not consulting the ministry before issuing his statement,”

“The minister is above the GTA boss and, so, clearance and permission should have been sought before issuing such a statement.”

“This development shows a lack of coordination among them and that is very bad,” he added.