Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has expressed concerns over a demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach in Ghana. The exercise, which began without adequate notice to community leaders and local authorities, has sparked fears about the livelihoods of people operating businesses in the area. Madam Sowah visited the site and confronted security personnel during the operation.
According to Madam Sowah, the demolition exercise is being led by the Labadi Beach Hotel and its Board Chairman, contrary to claims that the government is behind the operation. She alleged that the government has no knowledge of the exercise and questioned the basis for the demolition. The MP had previously made enquiries with relevant authorities and was assured that no such exercise would take place.
Madam Sowah's conversation with the Managing Director of the Labadi Beach Hotel revealed that he was unaware of the planned demolition. However, the Board Chairman of the hotel reportedly told her that they would proceed with the demolition as the area belongs to the Labadi Beach Hotel. This discrepancy has raised further questions about the legitimacy of the exercise.
The MP also claimed that traditional authorities in the area have not released the land to the hotel, casting doubt on the basis for the demolition. She spoke to local chiefs, who reportedly have not given their consent for the demolition. This has added to concerns about the exercise and its potential impact on the community.
The demolition has caused concern among residents and traders whose livelihoods depend on activities at the beach. Madam Sowah questioned why the exercise was taking place despite assurances she had received from government authorities. She expressed worry about the deployment of armed security personnel at the site, which has heightened tensions during the exercise.
Madam Sowah rejected suggestions that she had failed to engage with relevant authorities, insisting that she had made efforts to establish whether the demolition would take place. She claimed that the authorities had not informed her or the local chiefs about the exercise. The MP's intervention has sparked a debate about the need for transparency and community engagement in such exercises.
The situation at La Pleasure Beach remains tense, with concerns about the impact on the livelihoods of people in the area. Madam Sowah's concerns have highlighted the need for clarity on the demolition exercise and the role of the Labadi Beach Hotel and its Board Chairman. The government has yet to comment on the situation.
Key points
- The demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach was led by the Labadi Beach Hotel and its Board Chairman.
- The MP for La Dade-Kotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, questioned the basis for the demolition and the government's involvement.
- The exercise has caused concern among residents and traders whose livelihoods depend on activities at the beach.
