{
  "id": 11453730,
  "title": "Three Chinese-operated massage spas shut down in Ashanti Region over licensing breaches",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/three-chinese-operated-massage-spas-shut-down-in-ashanti-region-over",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T13:37:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/three-chinese-operated-massage-spas-shut-down-in-ashanti-region-over-licensing-breaches/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Three massage spas owned by Chinese nationals in the Ashanti Region have been ordered to close down by the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) due to not having the necessary license and paperwork. The spas, situated in the Kumasi Metropolis at Ahodwo and Daban, were shut down during an investigation focused on massage therapy, spa, and similar operations. Divine Azraku, the Ashanti Regional Regulation Officer for the TMPC, disclosed that these establishments had neglected to acquire the TMPC license prior to commencing their businesses. \"Most of them were Chinese. They were more or less like foreign nationals who were operating in that space,\" Azraku explained. \"So they’re supposed to acquire our licence, that’s TMPC licence, before they can operate.\" According to Azraku, nearly all the facilities examined during the inspection lacked the required license, leading to their immediate closure and the placement of caution notices at their entrances. He elaborated that individuals aiming to establish a spa or massage facility must first obtain a business operating permit, an association card, proof of expertise, and documentation confirming their experience in the profession. This enforcement operation is part of the TMPC's commitment to ensuring that massage and related establishments adhere to the necessary regulatory and licensing standards.",
  "summary": "Three body massage spas operated by Chinese nationals in the Ashanti Region have been shut down by the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) for operating without the required licence and documentation.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}