The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has explained the circumstances leading to the La Beach demolition, citing persistent unlawful occupation and encroachment on the beachfront adjoining the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. These properties are part of SSNIT's investment portfolio, generating returns for Ghanaian workers and pensioners. SSNIT sought the National Security Council Secretariat's urgent intervention to address the issue.
The two hotel properties are significant national hospitality and tourism assets, with SSNIT having a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard them. The trust must preserve their value and ensure sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners under the Basic National Social Security Scheme. SSNIT highlighted the risks associated with continued encroachment, including threats to safety and security, unauthorized access, and environmental hazards.
SSNIT listed eight risks associated with the encroachment, including deterioration of the beachfront, reputational damage to the hotels and Ghana's tourism industry, and disruption of hotel operations. The trust emphasized that the encroachments could make recovery of the affected lands increasingly difficult and costly. In response, SSNIT requested support from National Security to protect the assets belonging to Ghanaian workers.
The La Beach demolition was carried out to address the persistent encroachment, with SSNIT stating that the beaches will be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state. The trust assured that the beaches will remain open to the public. A statement issued by the Board of Trustees of SSNIT on October 2, 2026, explained the reasons behind the demolition.
SSNIT's management emphasized that the assets belong to the workers and pensioners of Ghana, and that the trust has a responsibility to protect them. The intervention by National Security was sought to prevent further risks to the safety and security of hotel guests, employees, and visitors. The trust highlighted the importance of preserving the value of the investments.
The Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel are prominent hospitality facilities in Ghana, with the beachfront being a critical component of their operations. SSNIT's efforts to protect the beachfront and prevent encroachment are aimed at ensuring the continued success of these hotels and the broader tourism industry.
The La Beach demolition and SSNIT's intervention have highlighted the importance of protecting national assets and preventing encroachment. The trust's efforts to restore the beaches to a safe and desirable state are expected to have a positive impact on the tourism industry and the broader economy.
Key points
- SSNIT sought National Security intervention to address persistent encroachment on La Beach.
- The encroachment posed significant risks to safety, environment, and tourism industry.
- The beaches will be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state, remaining open to the public.
