A recent demolition operation along Accra's La coastline has affected several leisure facilities and hospitality businesses, from Laboma Beach to La Pleasure Beach and Polo Beach Club. The exercise, which took place on October 2, 2026, was carried out by personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, supported by police. This operation follows an earlier clearance at Laboma, where businesses were accused of occupying a lagoon buffer zone.
The latest demolition exercise has generated controversy over land ownership and assurances reportedly given to operators. La Pleasure Beach, also known as Labadi Beach, saw several structures completely or partially demolished on October 2. Security personnel arrived at the site around 4 am and directed workers, residents, and business operators to leave. Affected occupants were seen attempting to retrieve belongings from the rubble.
La Dadekotopon MP Rita Naa Odoley Sowah confronted personnel at the site, expressing concerns over the demolition. She claimed to have previously received assurances that the structures would be spared. The demolition exercise also affected the Polo Beach Club, a popular entertainment venue near Labadi Beach Hotel. Reports identified it as one of the prominent businesses affected by the clearance of the La beachfront.
The Laboma Beach enclave experienced an earlier demolition exercise beginning on September 13. Authorities said selected structures occupied the Kpeshie Lagoon's protected buffer zone, stressing that the entire Laboma area was not being cleared. Several businesses were affected, including Pink Flamingo Lounge, ULA Beach Club, and Itz Box Bar, owned by Ghanaian musician Itz Tiffany.
The management of Itz Box Bar announced the closure of that location, while stating that its Spintex outlet remained operational. Other affected businesses at Laboma included Bliss Escape Restaurant, Trophy, Amsterdam Kitchen, Si Beach Resort, and Alora Beach Resort. The demolition exercises have raised concerns over lost investments and livelihoods, with Laboma Beach spokesman Nathaniel Nettey stating that more than 3,000 people worked within the enclave.
Security forces had been mobilized weeks ahead of the demolition, with police and military personnel stationed at Laboma Beach more than a month before the operation. The deployment was part of a wider crackdown launched after the devastating June 29 floods, with officials framing the demolitions as a step to restore natural drainage and prevent further flooding.
The available reports do not establish a complete list of every affected business or a final count of jobs lost. However, operators have warned of wider economic consequences, and the demolitions have sparked controversy over land ownership and government actions.
Key points
- The demolition exercises have affected popular leisure spots along Accra's La coastline, including La Pleasure Beach and Polo Beach Club.
- The operations have raised concerns over lost investments and livelihoods, with over 3,000 people reportedly working within the Laboma Beach enclave.
- The demolitions are part of a wider crackdown to restore natural drainage and prevent further flooding in the area.