The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed his commitment to rebuilding the La Beach economy and issuing leases to each business. He made this statement in response to the recent demolition of the La Beach. According to Dr. Bawumia, the La Beach is a significant social, economic, cultural, and international hub that has evolved into the most vibrant beach resort in Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia noted that the La Beach is a source of livelihood for thousands of people, especially the youth, and is extremely important to the nation and the people of La. He described it as a hub for many international functions and shows. During the NPP government's tenure, Dr. Bawumia said La Beach was one of the key places that supported the successful Year of Return and related activities that put Ghana on the map.
The NPP flagbearer assured that his party will redesign the space to meet standards and assist operators to run it. He also promised to secure the space for Labadi Beach Hotel and others, allowing them to coexist with smaller businesses that create the beach ecosystem. Additionally, Dr. Bawumia vowed to engage the owners of Laboma Beach, resolve their issues, and work with them to establish their business.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has justified the removal of unauthorized occupants from the beachfront adjoining the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. According to SSNIT, the action was necessary to protect workers' investments. The Trust stated that the two hotels are part of its investment portfolio and are significant national hospitality and tourism assets.
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 requested support from National Security to protect the assets belonging to Ghanaian workers. The operation, led by National Security operatives, resulted in the demolition of several makeshift structures on the beach stretch.
The demolition has received mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting SSNIT's asset protection drive and others raising concerns about livelihoods. SSNIT, however, maintains that the operation is not a closure of the beach to the public but a restoration exercise. The beaches will be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state, remaining open to the public.
The Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel are among SSNIT's most visible hospitality investments, generating returns for over 2 million contributors to the SSNIT Scheme. The Trust aims to safeguard these investments, preserve their value, and ensure they continue to generate sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners.
Key points
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia pledges NPP's commitment to rebuild La Beach economy and issue leases to businesses.
- SSNIT justifies removal of unauthorized occupants from La Beach, citing protection of workers' investments.
- Demolition of makeshift structures on La Beach sparks mixed reactions on social media.
