The Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has spoken out against a demolition exercise at the La Pleasure Beach area, citing a lack of information provided to local authorities and community leaders. The exercise, which began on October 2, 2026, has been met with resistance from the MP, who claims that many people depend on the area for their livelihoods.
According to Madam Sowah, the demolition exercise is being led by the Labadi Beach Hotel and its Board Chairman, rather than the government. She stated that she had made enquiries about the planned exercise and was initially told that no such action was planned. The MP expressed frustration over the impact on residents and traders, questioning the reason for the demolition.
Madam Sowah alleged that she had contacted the Managing Director of the Labadi Beach Hotel, who claimed to be unaware of the planned exercise. However, when she spoke to the Board Chairman, he reportedly told her that the demolition would proceed as the area belongs to the Labadi Beach Hotel. The MP also claimed that traditional leaders in the area had not given the land to the hotel.
The La MP further expressed concern over the presence of armed security personnel during the exercise. She stated that she had called the authorities, and they claimed to be unaware of the demolition. Madam Sowah rejected suggestions that she had failed to engage with the relevant authorities, saying she had made efforts to seek information about the planned operation.
Madam Sowah also referred to previous disputes involving areas including Wooden Estate and Laboma, questioning why the demolition had now extended to the Labadi Beach area. She expressed disappointment on behalf of the people of La, stating that they were not pleased with what was happening at the beach.
The MP stated that she had taken steps to establish whether the demolition would take place and had contacted relevant authorities before the exercise. She claimed that the government had assured her that the hotel would not be demolished. Madam Sowah also expressed concern for the people who had built their livelihoods around the area and questioned why they should suddenly be displaced.
The demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach has sparked controversy, with many residents and traders affected by the operation. The MP's opposition to the demolition has highlighted the need for better communication between authorities and local communities. Key issues, including the lack of information provided to local authorities and the impact on livelihoods, remain to be addressed.
Key points
- The La Dade-Kotopon MP, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has protested the demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach, citing a lack of information provided to local authorities and community leaders.
- The demolition exercise is being led by the Labadi Beach Hotel and its Board Chairman, rather than the government.
- The MP expressed concern over the presence of armed security personnel during the exercise and the impact on residents and traders.
