Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe has moved to correct public misconceptions about a demolition exercise carried out along part of the La beach front in Accra, Ghana. In a Facebook post, Dogbe stated that the operation, conducted under National Security supervision, was not connected to the government's ongoing flood mitigation programme. The exercise targeted the Polo Beach Club and other permanent structures near Labadi Beach Hotel.
According to Dogbe, the demolition was triggered by a formal request from Labadi Beach Hotel, which raised concerns that the structures were compromising its safety, tranquillity, and reputation. The hotel submitted the request after citing concerns that the structures were diminishing the experience of visitors and undermining the orderly management of the tourism facility. Dogbe drew a clear distinction between the La beach operation and the work being carried out by the government's flood mitigation task force at separate locations.
The government's flood mitigation task force is working at locations including the Kpeshie Lagoon, East Legon Boundary Road, Oyarifa, and areas behind Mayfair Estates. These activities aim to support the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources in reducing flood risk across affected communities. Dogbe suggested that Labadi Beach Hotel would be better placed to speak to the full details behind its request.
Beyond the specific demolition, Dogbe flagged broader concerns about the condition of the beach front. He questioned whether the hotel was justified in seeking to reclaim the space and pointed to drone footage and other videos from the area as part of his reasoning. Dogbe also warned about the consequences of allowing unregulated activity to continue unchecked along the shoreline.
Dogbe raised concerns about serious sanitation issues and security risks posed by unauthorised and unregulated commercial operations along the beachfront. The demolition was carried out by personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces' 48 Engineer Regiment alongside the Ghana Police Service. The exercise has reportedly met with resistance from some residents and owners of affected structures.
Security personnel are maintaining a presence in the area as the clearance work continues. Dogbe used the opportunity to address public confusion and provide clarity on the reasons behind the demolition exercise. He emphasized that the operation was not a flood mitigation exercise, but rather a response to concerns raised by Labadi Beach Hotel.
The demolition has sparked controversy, with some residents and owners of affected structures resisting the exercise. The incident has highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to managing the beachfront and addressing concerns around sanitation, security, and tourism. Key issues, including the role of Labadi Beach Hotel in the demolition and concerns around unauthorised commercial operations, remain to be addressed.
Key points
- Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe clarified that the La beach demolition was not part of the government's flood mitigation programme.
- The demolition was carried out in response to a request from Labadi Beach Hotel, which cited concerns around safety, tranquillity, and reputation.
- Dogbe raised concerns about sanitation and security risks posed by unauthorised commercial operations along the beachfront.
