Members of Ghana's National Democratic Congress (NDC) in La Dadekotopon and the area's Member of Parliament (MP), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, have expressed concern over the demolition of structures at La Pleasure Beach in Accra. The exercise, carried out on October 3, 2026, destroyed businesses and personal properties. According to the MP, the demolition was conducted by the Labadi Beach Hotel and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), working with National Security.
The La Dadekotopon NDC and MP Sowah stated that they were not informed about the demolition, contradicting earlier claims that the exercise was part of a government anti-flooding programme. The MP argued that the area was not listed as a flood-prone site earmarked for intervention. She also mentioned that initial consultations had suggested that the area was outside the scope of any planned demolition by the hotel.
MP Sowah urged affected business owners and residents to engage with the constituency leadership while it sought clarification on the circumstances surrounding the demolition. She announced plans for a stakeholder meeting to discuss the way forward, bringing together traditional authorities, the Municipal Chief Executive, constituency representatives, and other relevant parties.
The demolition at La Pleasure Beach has sparked controversy, with many questioning the lack of notice given to those operating in the area. MP Sowah argued that those operating at the beach should have been notified so they could remove their belongings. The incident has raised concerns about the impact on businesses and residents.
In response to the incident, SSNIT has stated that the La Beach clearance was to protect hotel investments, and beaches will remain public. The organization emphasized that the exercise was necessary to safeguard investments in the area.
The MP assured those affected that engagements with the authorities would continue, with further information to be provided after the stakeholder meeting. The meeting aims to provide a platform for discussion and clarification on the circumstances surrounding the demolition.
The incident at La Pleasure Beach has sparked debate about the role of authorities in such exercises and the need for effective communication with affected parties. Key discussions will focus on the way forward and potential compensation for those affected.
Key points
- The La Dadekotopon NDC and MP Rita Naa Odoley Sowah demand answers over the demolition of La Pleasure Beach in Accra.
- The demolition was carried out by the Labadi Beach Hotel and SSNIT, working with National Security, without prior notice to those affected.
- A stakeholder meeting will be held to discuss the way forward and provide clarification on the circumstances surrounding the demolition.
