We will deal with GTA communication gaffe – Tourism Minister

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has said it will look into the Ghana Tourism Authority(GTA) communication gaffe in relation to the latter’s directive on resumption of operations of drinking bars and hotels.

The controversial Press statement, according to the Minister was issued by the regulator on the blindside of her Ministry.

But the Sector Minister, Barbara Oteng Gyasi told host Kweku Owusu Adjei on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 FM Thursday that “We’ll follow administrative procedures and deal with the matter”.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has urged the public to disregard a directive from the Ghana Tourism Authority asking drinking spots and other recreational facilities to start full operation.

The GTA’s statement intended to annul an earlier ban on social gatherings imposed by President Akufo-Addo when Ghana recorded COVID-19.

The GTA in its directive, said: “Drinking bars can operate while observing appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols. In all situations, hospitality facilities should observe the staff management and workplace protocols and precaution, measures on public gatherings with the view of achieving social distancing and hygiene protocols as spelt out in the Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic) Instrument. 2020 (E.I. 64).”

But a statement signed by the Minister of Tourism Barbara Oteng-Gyasi said “drinking bars remain closed… the public is to note that this circular supersedes the one issued by the regulator.”