The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed deep sadness over the demolition of La Beach in Ghana. He described the destruction as wanton and particularly painful, given that even movable assets that could have been easily removed were destroyed. La Beach holds significant social, economic, cultural, and international importance, having evolved into the most vibrant beach resort in Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that La Beach is a source of livelihood for thousands of people, especially the youth, and is crucial to the nation and the people of La. He noted that the beach has hosted many international functions and shows, and during the NPP government's tenure, it supported the successful Year of Return activities, putting Ghana on the map. He pledged his commitment to making La Beach a major tourist and economic enclave.
The NPP will rebuild the beach economy, issue leases to each business, redesign the space to meet standards, and assist operators to run it. Dr. Bawumia assured that they will secure the space for Labadi Beach Hotel and others, allowing them to coexist with smaller businesses that create the beach ecosystem. They will engage with the owners of Laboma Beach, resolve their issues, and work with them to establish their business and make it compliant with the law.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) justified the removal of unauthorized occupants from the beachfront adjoining the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, citing the need to protect workers' investments. SSNIT stated that the action was necessary to address the persistent unlawful occupation, encroachment, and unauthorized activities on the beachfront.
SSNIT listed eight major risks posed by the encroachment, including threats to safety and security, unauthorized access to sensitive areas, fire and public-health hazards, and reputational damage to Ghana's tourism industry. The Trust stressed that it has a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard these investments, preserve their value, and ensure they generate sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners.
The Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel are part of SSNIT's investment portfolio and are significant national hospitality and tourism assets. The Trust added that the beaches will be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state, remaining open to the public. The operation was led by National Security operatives, who demolished several makeshift structures on the beach stretch in front of the two hotels.
The demolition has received mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting SSNIT's asset protection drive and others raising concerns about livelihoods. SSNIT assured that the operation is not a closure of the beach to the public but a restoration exercise. The Trust seeks to save the thousands of jobs that the beach economy supports and improve them.
Key points
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia pledges to rebuild the beach economy and make La Beach a major tourist and economic enclave.
- SSNIT justifies the demolition, citing the need to protect workers' investments and address unauthorized activities.
- The demolition has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with concerns about livelihoods and asset protection.
