Ghanaian activist and media personality Ralph St Williams has spoken out after he was allegedly assaulted by a military officer during a demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach on Friday, October 2, 2026. Ralph St Williams said he first learned about the demolition while waiting to collect his luggage at the airport, having come across a video of the exercise on social media. Concerned by what he saw, he drove to the beach area near Labadi to witness and document the situation firsthand.
According to Ralph St Williams, he had identified himself as a journalist before he was allegedly whipped with canes and sticks by a military officer at the scene. He noted that he had not been throwing stones or ignoring any instructions before the incident occurred. While acknowledging that some individuals at the scene had indeed been disruptive, he insisted his own conduct had been that of a working journalist.
Ralph St Williams maintained that only one military officer was responsible for the alleged assault, correcting what he described as inaccurate accounts suggesting multiple officers were involved. He also stated that he runs a registered media company, though he acknowledged that bloggers and social media journalists do not always carry formal press identification the way mainstream reporters do.
What troubled Ralph St Williams most was being allegedly caned and struck with sticks after clearly identifying himself. He described the treatment as both unprofessional and unacceptable, arguing that journalists covering events as they unfold deserve protection, not physical confrontation. He emphasized that he had introduced himself as a media professional.
Beyond the altercation itself, Ralph St Williams used the opportunity to share broader thoughts on the ongoing demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach. He said he supports development and believes Ghana's beaches have significant potential if properly structured. However, he stressed that progress should not come at the cost of people's livelihoods.
Ralph St Williams called for affected residents to be included in development decisions, arguing that Ghanaians deserve a voice in decisions that directly affect their communities, particularly when those decisions involve the restructuring of public spaces they depend on for their income. Footage of a confrontation involving Ralph and military personnel at the scene had already begun circulating on social media before he released his own account of events.
The incident occurred after La Dadekoton MP Rita Naa Odoley Sowah responded to the October 2 demolition at La Pleasure Beach, claiming the Board Chairman of Labadi Beach Hotel was behind the demolition, while insisting the government had no knowledge of it. Her remarks came despite military personnel being present at the scene.
Key points
- Ralph St Williams was allegedly assaulted by a military officer during the La Pleasure Beach demolition exercise.
- Ralph St Williams called for inclusive beach development and protection for journalists.
- La Dadekoton MP Rita Naa Odoley Sowah claimed the Board Chairman of Labadi Beach Hotel was behind the demolition.
