Hundreds of La residents, led by the Ga-Dangme Progressive Front, marched to Jubilee House on October 29, 2026, to petition President John Dramani Mahama over the demolition of structures at Laboma, Kajano and Labadi Beach. The protest, dubbed "Aaagbe Wɔ" ("They are killing us"), drew support from various individuals, including Freddie Blay, a former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Blay's own business was among those demolished, and he joined the protest in solidarity with the affected communities.
The demolitions, carried out by government agents, have been described as "unnecessary" and "unfriendly" by Blay, who faulted the manner in which they were executed. The affected business owners and residents are demanding compensation and government engagement over the demolitions. According to Blay, the demolished businesses had contributed significantly to Ghana's hospitality sector, and their removal has left thousands without a source of income.
The protesters claim that the structures pulled down had taken several years to establish and supported entire families through employment and trade. They are calling for formal consultations with stakeholders in the area and clear answers from the government on what will become of the demolished sites. The Ga-Dangme Progressive Front, which organized the protest, handed a petition to the Presidency, which was accepted on behalf of President Mahama.
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NPP, presented the petition to the Presidency on behalf of the Ga-Dangme Progressive Front. A representative of the Presidency assured the protesters that the petition would be passed on to President Mahama, who was out of town at the time. The representative commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully.
The march to Jubilee House follows an earlier confrontation at the same location, where demonstrators and police clashed over the beach demolitions. That protest had also drawn NPP figures into the dispute, with Oko Boye demanding that the Member of Parliament for La resign over the demolition exercise. Chieftaincy figure Titus Glover also poured libation at La Pleasure Beach in protest against the destruction.
With the petition now in the hands of the Presidency, affected traders and residents are waiting to hear from the government on compensation, the fate of the demolished sites along the La coastline, and whether the stakeholder engagement they have demanded will take place. The protesters appreciate the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right and await a response from the government.
The demonstration highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and residents of La over the demolition of structures along the coastline. As the government considers the petition, residents and business owners remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed, and a resolution will be reached. The involvement of NPP figures, including Freddie Blay and Oko Boye, underscores the complexity of the issue.
Key points
- Former NPP chairman Freddie Blay joins La residents in protesting over Laboma, Kajano and Labadi Beach demolitions
- Protesters demand compensation, stakeholder engagement, and clear answers from government on demolished sites
- Petition handed to Presidency, with assurance that it will be presented to President Mahama
