The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has expressed support for the demolition of structures at the Labadi and La Palm beachfronts by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). The demolition, which took place on October 2, 2026, was aimed at clearing unlawful encroachments and safeguarding vital assets belonging to workers and pensioners. According to Mr. Koomson, the exercise was necessary to protect workers' investments.
Mr. Koomson recalled that organised labour, including the GFL, had previously opposed attempts to sell the Labadi Beach Hotel under the Akufo-Addo administration due to its strategic location and potential to generate revenue for the country. He noted that after the resistance, attention shifted to the beachfront, which was subsequently subjected to encroachment. Mr. Koomson emphasised that the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel belong to the pension funds and workers of Ghana.
The GFL Secretary General attributed the Trust's current financial position to measures implemented by its new management, insisting that the institution remains profitable. He warned that any situation that threatens SSNIT's financial sustainability would have serious consequences for pensioners who depend on the Trust for their retirement benefits. Mr. Koomson also accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration of deliberately weakening some state assets to facilitate their eventual sale.
Mr. Koomson cited the demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Centre under the previous administration as an example of an attempt to break down state assets and make the land available for private interests. He alleged that some individuals who came into political office sought to use state assets for personal enrichment rather than protecting them for the benefit of the wider population.
The demolition of structures at the Labadi Beachfront could appear excessive to people who are unaware of the history surrounding the property and the alleged encroachments. Mr. Koomson noted that if the SSNIT doesn't have money and it collapses, it will be dire for workers and pensioners. He emphasised that the beachfront forms part of assets held for the benefit of workers and pensioners.
Mr. Koomson questioned whether former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's administration intended to dispose of a significant number of state properties and lands during its tenure. He maintained that state assets must be protected and managed in a manner that safeguards the interests of workers, pensioners and the broader Ghanaian public.
The GFL Secretary General's comments come after SSNIT undertook the demolition exercise to reclaim the property and protect workers' investments. Key points include:
Key points
- The Ghana Federation of Labour supports SSNIT's demolition of unlawful structures at Labadi and La Palm beachfronts.
- The demolition aimed to clear unlawful encroachments and safeguard vital assets belonging to workers and pensioners.
- The GFL Secretary General accused the NPP administration of deliberately weakening some state assets to facilitate their eventual sale.
