Yes, hosts in Ghana must register their short-term rental properties with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and obtain a permit. This registration is mandatory and ensures that the property complies with national tourism regulations under the

In Ghana, hosts may need to secure permissions from various stakeholders to operate short-term rentals, depending on their specific property agreements and local regulations:

In Ghana, income earned from short-term rentals is subject to a few different national taxes administered by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA):

Yes, hosts in Ghana are required to register their short-term rental properties with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and to contribute financially to the tourism sector.

No, there is no guest registration and reporting requirement, but short-term rental hosts are required by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to keep a guest register, per the

While there aren’t specific national health and safety standards for short-term rentals in Ghana, the Ghana Institute of Safety and Environmental Professionals (GhISEP) offers essential health and safety guidance that applies across various industries, including rental properties. GhISEP’s focus areas include workplace safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices.

For short-term rental properties, this guidance may cover key safety practices, such as:

• Maintaining structural and fire safety standards for buildings,

• Ensuring sanitation and minimizing potential hazards,

• Following safety protocols like proper lifting techniques and safe handling of hazardous materials.

As a regulatory and advisory organization, GhISEP works to foster safe environments. Adhering to its recommendations helps short-term rental owners meet general safety expectations and align with broader industry standards in Ghana.

Platforms like Airbnb generally do not take direct responsibility for ensuring that short-term rental listings comply with all national laws and regulations in Ghana. Instead, Airbnb provides general guidelines and encourages hosts to research and follow local laws, such as those set by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). Hosts are responsible for meeting all legal requirements, including registration, licensing, and payment of applicable fees, such as the Tourism Development Fund levy.

The

In Ghana, there is currently no legal mandate that requires short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb, to share data with government authorities. Ghana has not yet instituted specific data-sharing requirements for short-term rental platforms. However, local tourism and regulatory bodies like the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) continue to oversee general licensing and regulatory compliance for short-term rentals within the country.

In Ghana, there is no national law explicitly mandating liability insurance for hosts of short-term rental properties. While short-term rental platforms like Airbnb provide basic liability coverage through their "Air Cover" program, which includes limited host damage protection, this does not replace full liability insurance. Hosts are advised to review and consider additional insurance options based on their specific needs and property type, particularly to cover property damage, injuries, and other potential liabilities that may not be fully covered by platform-provided policies

In Ghana, the protection of culturally and historically significant areas from short-term rentals is primarily managed by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), established under Act 387 of 1969. The GMMB is tasked with conserving heritage sites and follows the guidelines of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which Ghana ratified in 1975. These regulations ensure developments near key sites, like Cape Coast Castle, follow strict guidelines to prevent degradation.

Additionally, district-level zoning laws require property developments to align with local zoning standards. District Assemblies issue Land Use Certificates, allowing them to suspend or penalize non-compliant developments that may threaten culturally sensitive areas. This structure provides a regulatory foundation to protect heritage sites from adverse effects, including those posed by short-term rental expansion.

Ghana does not have specific nationwide sustainability requirements for short-term rentals. However, the government and tourism bodies encourage sustainable practices within the tourism and hospitality sector as part of broader environmental initiatives. The following are common areas of focus encouraged across Ghana’s tourism industry, which short-term rental owners may consider implementing to align with sustainable tourism goals:

Yes, there is. In Ghana, the Rent Act of 1963 (Act 220) and its amendments protect long-term tenants from being evicted for purposes like short-term rentals, ensuring fair treatment and stability for tenants. Key provisions include:

In Ghana, the requirements for reporting foreign guests to the national immigration authorities generally entail that accommodation providers, such as guesthouses, keep accurate records of foreign visitors. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has mandates under the Immigration Act of 2000 (Act 573) and related regulations, requiring these establishments to maintain records for potential verification by authorities. The typical requirements include:

In Ghana, short-term rental platforms like Airbnb are not currently required by law to verify that property listings comply with national regulations before listing them. However, host must adhere to the Ghana Rent Act of 1963 and Rent Control Law, which set rules for long-term tenancy protections and conditions for evictions. While there isn’t a specific mandate for platforms to enforce these regulations, the responsibility largely falls on property owners to ensure compliance, especially regarding tenant protections, proper registration, and adherence to landlord-tenant laws.

In Ghana, short-term rental contracts are guided by consumer protection standards to safeguard guest, focusing on transparency, fair terms, and tenant rights under consumer protection laws. The Consumer Protection Act sets foundational expectations for contracts, which must provide clear terms on rental costs, duration, cancellation policies, and host responsibilities. Regulations are shaped by Ghana’s public regulatory governance framework, which aligns with international standards to protect consumers against unfair practices, particularly during crises or service disruptions.

In Ghana, non-resident owners of short-term rental properties are subject to specific tax and compliance regulations, primarily centered around tax obligations and compliance with local reporting standards:

In Ghana, there is no formal classification system specifically for short-term rentals (STRs), but regulations and standards exist to ensure these rentals comply with local laws, taxes, and zoning requirements.

In Ghana, additional regulations are often enforced for short-term rentals and other accommodation providers during national events, festivals, and holidays. These may include stricter identity verification for guests, curfews, noise restrictions, and limitations on gatherings or maximum length of stay to maintain public order and safety. For example, events like Afrochella and Christmas festivities see a surge in tourists, prompting authorities to impose rules that reduce disruptions in popular areas.

Additionally, during times of heightened concern—such as public health crises—the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture may enforce enhanced safety measures, such as capacity restrictions, mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing requirements, and sanitation protocols at rental properties and tourist venues. Enforcement typically involves inspections, and properties may face fines or closure for non-compliance.

In Ghana, property owners who operate short-term rentals without a permit may face several penalties: