Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Freddie Blay has accused President John Dramani Mahama of ordering the demolition of his son's Polo Beach Club at La Beach in Accra. Blay made the allegation during an interview on Channel One TV's The Big Issue on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Kumasi. He claimed that the demolition was carried out despite an ongoing legal dispute involving his son's business and the Labadi Beach Hotel.
According to Blay, the dispute between the business and the hotel had been before the courts for about two to three years and was yet to be determined. He questioned why the property would be demolished while the matter was still before the court. Blay expressed concern that the President would order the demolition, saying it showed a lack of respect for the law.
The former NPP chairman also rejected claims that his son's business was operating as a squatter on land belonging to the Labadi Beach Hotel. He maintained that his son had legally acquired the land through a lease from the La Stool and had paid the required rent. Blay argued that the ownership dispute should be resolved through the courts rather than through demolition.
The demolition of Polo Beach Club formed part of a wider clearance exercise at the La Beach area on Friday, October 2. Personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces' 48 Engineer Regiment, supported by the Ghana Police Service, were involved in the operation. Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, stated that the exercise was not part of the government's flood-mitigation programme.
According to Stan Dogbe, the exercise was conducted under National Security supervision following a request from the Labadi Beach Hotel. The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which has the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in its investment portfolio, sought intervention over what it described as unlawful occupation, encroachment, and unauthorized activities on the beachfront.
Blay questioned the involvement of National Security and the deployment of personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment, asking whether such an action could be taken without a court order. He emphasized that the President's alleged involvement in the demolition was a serious concern, especially given the ongoing court case.
The incident has sparked controversy, with many questioning the government's actions. Key points include:
Key points
- Freddie Blay alleges President Mahama ordered the demolition of his son's Polo Beach Club.
- The demolition was carried out despite an ongoing court case between the business and the Labadi Beach Hotel.
- The government claims the exercise was conducted under National Security supervision following a request from the Labadi Beach Hotel.
