The Ghanaian government is set to establish a committee to determine the compensation for individuals whose businesses and properties were affected by the recent demolition of facilities at La Pleasure Beach in Accra. The committee will comprise representatives from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), traditional authorities, management of the affected beaches, and the Member of Parliament for the area, Naa Odoley Sowah. This move aims to provide relief to those who lost their properties during the demolition exercise.
The committee's formation was announced by Naa Odoley Sowah, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, during an appearance before the Committee on Local Government and Decentralisation in Parliament on October 6, 2026. According to her, data has already been gathered on the displaced individuals, and their circumstances will be assessed to determine the form of compensation to be provided. The Deputy Minister assured that the committee will consider the needs of persons who might require relocation and those who might need financial compensation.
The demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach was part of a broader effort to address flooding and restore ecological sites in the Greater Accra Region. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the exercise was separate from the demolition at Laboma Beach, which will be dealt with under a different arrangement. She also indicated that the committee's decision on the type and amount of compensation has not been finalized, but she is following up closely to ensure that everyone affected receives what they are entitled to.
The Chief Executive of the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly, Mr. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, provided an account of the Laboma Beach demolition, stating that it was undertaken as part of measures to address flooding and restore an ecological site. He revealed that the assembly was not consulted but was shown the locations where the exercise would be undertaken. He also stated that he was not aware that the MP had been specifically informed before the exercise.
The Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government and Decentralisation, Mrs. Queenstar Pokua Sawyerr, urged the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms to prevent people from re-filling areas that had been dredged or cleared to improve drainage. She emphasized that although central government agencies can intervene in emergencies, assemblies should take responsibility for developments within their jurisdictions.
Mrs. Sawyerr also urged the MP and the assembly to ensure that the concerns of affected persons are properly addressed. She assured that the committee will follow up on the outcome of the committee's work. The committee's establishment is expected to bring relief to those affected by the demolition exercise and provide a framework for compensation.
The La Pleasure Beach demolition is part of a broader effort to address flooding and environmental concerns in the Greater Accra Region. The government's efforts to provide compensation to affected individuals are expected to help alleviate the suffering of those who lost their properties. The committee's work is expected to be completed soon, and compensation is expected to be provided to those affected.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government will establish a committee to determine compensation for La Pleasure Beach demolition victims.
- The committee will comprise representatives from SSNIT, LaDMA, traditional authorities, and the MP for the area.
- The demolition exercise was part of a broader effort to address flooding and restore ecological sites in the Greater Accra Region.
