The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has closed down three spa and massage centers in Ghana's Ashanti Region for operating without valid licenses. The exercise, carried out in Kumasi, targeted facilities operating illegally without recourse to the Council's mandatory regulatory approval. The affected facilities, located in prime areas including Ahodwo, Daban, and Atiga Junction, were found to be in breach of Section 31 of the Traditional Medicine Practice Act, 2000 (Act 575).
According to the Ashanti Regional Regulatory Officer of the TMPC, Divine Adzraku, a significant number of the defaulting operators are foreign nationals, predominantly Chinese, who have set up spa and massage businesses without proper authorization. The Council's checks revealed that the facilities had failed to meet the basic requirements for operation despite operating openly and offering services to the public.
As part of the enforcement, the TMPC task force locked up the facilities and posted official disclaimer notices on their premises, warning the public against patronizing them and directing the owners to report to the Council's regional office for regularization. The facilities will remain shut until they satisfy all conditions, including paying a fine and completing the necessary registration processes.
Mr. Adzraku clarified that the exercise is not intended to stifle business but to ensure professionalism, public safety, and adherence to standards. He outlined the legal process for operating a spa or massage facility in Ghana, which includes acquiring a business operating permit, an association card or proof of proficiency, and evidence of formal training or years of proven practice.
The TMPC has cautioned the general public, especially those seeking spa and massage services, to always look out for the Council's license certificate displayed at such facilities. The Council has assured that the swoop will be extended to other parts of the region in the coming weeks and has urged all unlicensed operators to voluntarily visit its offices to begin the regularization process to avoid sanctions, including prosecution.
The closure of the three facilities in the Ashanti Region is part of a nationwide enforcement drive to sanitize the traditional and alternative medicine industry. The TMPC has previously shut down unlicensed facilities in Accra and has marked one year of reforms under its acting registrar, Dr. Yakubu Tobor Yusuf.
The Council's efforts aim to promote public safety and adherence to standards in the traditional and alternative medicine industry. The TMPC's enforcement drive is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with a focus on educating the public on the importance of checking for licenses and ensuring that practitioners and facilities are duly registered and licensed.
Key points
- The Traditional Medicine Practice Council closed down three unlicensed spa and massage centers in Ashanti Region for operating without valid licenses.
- The Council's enforcement drive aims to promote public safety and adherence to standards in the traditional and alternative medicine industry.
- The public is advised to check for the Council's license certificate displayed at spa and massage facilities to ensure they are operating legally.
