{
  "id": 12139207,
  "title": "Traditional Medicine Practice Council closes three unlicensed spa and massage centres in Ashanti Region",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/traditional-medicine-practice-council-closes-three-unlicensed-spa-and",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-05T11:16:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/traditional-medicine-practice-council-closes-three-unlicensed-spa-and-massage-centres-in-ashanti-region/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has taken action to close three spa and massage centers in the Ashanti Region for operating without proper licenses. This comes as part of a nationwide effort to improve regulation within the traditional and alternative medicine industry. The crackdown targeted establishments in high-traffic areas such as Ahodwo, Daban, and Atiga Junction, which were found to be in violation of Section 31 of the Traditional Medicine Practice Act 2000 (Act 575). According to this law, all practitioners and facilities must be duly registered and licensed by the TMPC before commencing operations. Divine Adzraku, the Ashanti Regional Regulatory Officer, revealed that many of the non-compliant operators were foreign nationals, primarily Chinese individuals who established their businesses without the necessary authorization. The TMPC's investigation discovered that these facilities had failed to meet the essential requirements for operation, even though they were openly providing services to the public. As a result of the enforcement, the TMPC seized the facilities and posted warning notices for the public, urging them to refrain from patronizing the establishments while the owners were directed to report to the regional office for proper regularization. Adzraku emphasized that this operation is aimed at enforcing professionalism, public safety, and adherence to standards rather than stifling business. He explained that operators are required to follow a multi-stage process before opening a spa or massage facility in Ghana. This includes obtaining a business operating permit, an association card, or proof of proficiency, demonstrating formal training or years of proven practice, and undergoing an inspection by the Council before receiving a TMPC operating license. The three facilities closed in the Ashanti Region will remain shut until they comply with all conditions. The owners will also face fines. Once the necessary registration processes are completed and the fines are paid, the facilities will be reopened. The TMPC advises the public, particularly those seeking spa and massage services, to verify the presence of the Council's license certificate before engaging with any establishment.",
  "summary": "The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has closed down three spa and massage centres in the Ashanti Region for operating without valid licenses, as part of a nationwide enforcement drive to sanitize the traditional and alternative medicine industry.",
  "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."
}