As Ghana prepares to join the rest of the world in celebrating World Tourism Day, hotel operators in the Volta Region are sounding an alarm over what they describe as crippling taxes threatening the survival of the local hospitality industry.
Speaking to TMG News, several hoteliers expressed frustration with what they termed “multiple, overlapping levies” from various regulatory bodies — including the Ghana Revenue Authority (VAT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and Municipal Assemblies.
According to them, these taxes not only erode their profits but also make their services uncompetitive compared to hotels in neighboring countries like Togo.
In Dzodze, Prince Vincent Ahiadzro, owner of White Dove Hotel, echoed similar concerns. He stressed that the excessive taxation is stifling growth and undermining job creation in an industry that has the potential to absorb many unemployed youths.
Beyond the tax burden, hoteliers also highlighted poor infrastructure — particularly bad road networks leading to major tourist attractions — as another major barrier to tourism growth in the region.
The Volta Region is home to numerous tourist destinations, from the serene Amedzofe hills to the Wli Waterfalls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and pristine beaches along the coast. The hospitality industry, driven by hotels like Volta Serene in Ho and others across the region, plays a vital role in supporting tourism and boosting local economies.
Operators argue that consolidating and rationalizing taxes would make the sector more attractive, reduce operating costs, and allow hoteliers to offer more competitive rates to tourists.
As this year’s World Tourism Day is celebrated globally under the theme “Tourism and Peace”, industry stakeholders in the Volta Region are calling on government to take concrete steps to support the hospitality sector.
They say doing so would not only promote peace and cultural exchange through tourism but also create thousands of jobs and help revive local economies.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Christian Ahodie