Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has pledged to rebuild the economy around La Beach in Accra, Ghana, following a demolition exercise that took place on Friday, October 2, 2026. In a statement issued on Saturday, October 3, Bawumia described La Beach as a socially, economically, and culturally significant area that has developed into one of Ghana's most vibrant beach resorts. He expressed concern over the demolition of structures at the popular beachfront, which has provided livelihoods for thousands of people, particularly young people.
The demolition exercise, carried out by personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces and supported by the Ghana Police Service, has generated questions over the authority and reasons behind the demolition. Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Xoese Dogbe, clarified that the action along the beachfront was not part of the government's flood mitigation exercise. He said the operation was carried out under National Security supervision at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel, citing concerns raised by the hotel over structures and commercial activities along its beachfront.
Bawumia highlighted the beach's role during the NPP government's Year of Return programme and related activities, which he said helped promote Ghana internationally. He also expressed sadness over the destruction of movable assets that he said could have been removed by their owners. The NPP flagbearer proposed redesigning the space to meet required standards while assisting operators to run their businesses. He also pledged to issue leases to businesses operating at the beach and to work with people in La, particularly businesses operating at the beach, to rebuild what he described as the beach economy.
Under Bawumia's proposed plan, leases would be issued to businesses operating at the beach, and space would be secured for the Labadi Beach Hotel and other businesses while allowing them to coexist with smaller operators who contribute to the wider beach economy. He also pledged to engage the owners of Laboma Beach to address outstanding issues and work with them to establish their businesses in compliance with the law. Another part of his proposal involves addressing environmental challenges around the lagoon, including flooding.
The La Dadekotopon MP, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has questioned the demolition, saying she had previously engaged authorities and was assured that structures around the Labadi Beach Hotel would not be affected. Bawumia's statement comes amid the continuing debate over the demolition and the future of businesses and livelihoods around the La beachfront. The NPP flagbearer emphasized his commitment to saving the thousands of jobs that the beach economy supports and to improving them.
Bawumia's proposal for La Beach has been seen as a move to address the concerns of businesses and individuals affected by the demolition exercise. The NPP flagbearer has promised to work with stakeholders to rebuild the beach economy and to ensure that the area is developed in a manner that benefits all parties involved. His proposal includes plans to redesign the space, issue leases to businesses, and address environmental challenges around the lagoon.
The demolition exercise at La Beach has sparked a national debate over the government's handling of the situation and the future of the beachfront. Bawumia's pledge to rebuild the La Beach economy has been seen as a move to address the concerns of businesses and individuals affected by the demolition exercise. The NPP flagbearer has emphasized his commitment to saving the thousands of jobs that the beach economy supports and to improving them.
Key points
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia pledges to rebuild La Beach economy and issue business leases after demolition exercise.
- The demolition exercise at La Beach has generated questions over the authority and reasons behind the demolition.
- Bawumia proposes redesigning the space to meet required standards while assisting operators to run their businesses.
