The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), on Monday closed down eight hotels in the Sekondi-Takoradi area because owners did not comply with regulations of the Service. The facilities were Valley Beach, Africa Beach, Takoradi Beach, Raybow Hotel, Lagoon Side, Hillcrest, Peak Lodge and Animens hotels. Nana Ekow Abban, the Western Regional Fire Commander, said the exercise was to ensure that the various hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities in the region complied with GNFS rules. He said the Tropic and Goil gas companies in the area would also be closed down because the facilities were too close to the Jubilee Park and commercial drivers were using them as parking bays. He urged all individuals, companies and institutions to acquire fire certificate, saying it was not cumbersome to acquire the document, which is mandatory under LI 1724, passed in 2003. Roberta Aggrey-Ghanson, GNFS Divisional Officer Grade Three in charge of security and safety, said because the Service did not have any idea about fire exists and other safety measures, a risk assessment must be done prior to the issuance of the certificate. She said the hotels would remain closed until they ensured basic security requirements to safeguard lives and property. Source: GNA