The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has closed down three massage spas operated by Chinese nationals in Kumasi, Ghana, for failing to obtain the required licences and documentation. The enforcement exercise, conducted by the Ashanti Regional Regulation Officer of the Council, Divine Azraku, targeted massage therapy centres, spas, and related businesses in the Kumasi Metropolis. The affected facilities were located at Ahodwo and Daban.
According to Mr Azraku, the operators of the shut-down facilities had failed to acquire the necessary licence from the TMPC before commencing operations. He noted that most of the facilities inspected during the exercise lacked the Council's licence, prompting the enforcement team to close them down and post caution notices at their entrances. The TMPC licence is a mandatory requirement for businesses operating in the massage and spa industry.
Mr Azraku explained that to establish a spa or massage facility, one must obtain a business operating permit, an association card or proof of proficiency, and documents demonstrating experience in the profession. The Council's enforcement exercise aims to ensure that all practitioners in the industry comply with the relevant regulatory requirements. The affected operators have been instructed to regularise their businesses and complete the required registration procedures.
The shut-down facilities were part of a broader enforcement exercise targeting massage therapy centres, spas, and related businesses in the Ashanti Region. Mr Azraku disclosed that almost all the facilities inspected during the exercise lacked the Council's licence, indicating a widespread lack of compliance with regulatory requirements. The Council's action is aimed at ensuring public safety and protecting consumers.
The affected operators will be required to pay fines imposed for the violations before they can resume operations. Mr Azraku stressed that the Council is not seeking to prevent people from operating massage and spa businesses but wants all practitioners to comply with the relevant regulatory requirements. The Council's goal is to promote a safe and regulated environment for consumers.
The TMPC's enforcement exercise is part of its mandate to regulate traditional medicine practices in Ghana. The Council is responsible for ensuring that all practitioners in the industry comply with the relevant laws and regulations. The shut-down of the three Chinese-owned massage spas in Kumasi is a demonstration of the Council's commitment to enforcing regulatory requirements.
The operators of the shut-down facilities have been given instructions to regularise their businesses and complete the required registration procedures. Once they have complied with the regulatory requirements and paid the imposed fines, the Council will reopen the facilities. The TMPC will continue to monitor the industry to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and protect public safety.
Key points
- The Traditional Medicine Practice Council shut down three Chinese-owned massage spas in Kumasi for operating without licences.
- The Council's enforcement exercise targeted massage therapy centres, spas, and related businesses in the Ashanti Region.
- The affected operators must regularise their businesses, complete registration procedures, and pay fines before resuming operations.
