Ms Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, confronted military personnel at the La Pleasure Beach Hotel over the demolition of structures at the facility on October 2, 2026. The MP questioned the basis for the exercise, having previously engaged with relevant authorities and been assured that structures around the Labadi Beach Hotel would not be affected.
The demolition, carried out by personnel of the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces with support from the Ghana Police Service, began in the early hours of Friday. Security personnel arrived at about 0400 hours and directed workers, traders, residents, and other operators at the facility to vacate the area. Many structures were demolished, while others were partially pulled down as affected persons struggled to retrieve their belongings from the rubble.
The MP expressed concern about the conduct of some security personnel, alleging that they were firing shots and wielding guns at people at the scene. She questioned why the La area was being "targeted", asking: "What has La done?" The exercise left traders and other operators stranded, with some expressing concern about the loss of their businesses and sources of livelihood.
Mr Prosper Adotey, one of the shareholders at the facility, said his workers informed him about the demolition at about 0300 hours. He stated that the demolition had progressed from structures inside the facility to the main gate, making it difficult for operators to retrieve some of their belongings.
Affected traders and workers were seen salvaging belongings from the demolished structures, while others stood by the rubble in distress and anguish. Ms Beatrice Aku Tawiah, an operator at Labadi Beach under Princess Wala Company, said the sellers were not informed about the demolition, and the exercise had destroyed her property and caused significant financial losses.
The official reasons and directives underpinning Friday's demolition could not immediately be established. However, Mr Stan Dogbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, clarified that Friday's demolition was not part of the Government's flood mitigation operations.
Mr Dogbe stated that the exercise was undertaken under the supervision of the National Security at the request of Labadi Beach Hotel, which had raised concerns about structures and commercial activities along its beachfront. In September 2026, some structures at Laboma Beach within the same enclave were demolished by the Government's Post-Flood Mitigating Task Force.
Key points
- The demolition at La Pleasure Beach Hotel was carried out by the Ghana Armed Forces and Ghana Police Service.
- The MP for La Dadekotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, confronted the military personnel over the demolition.
- The demolition was not part of the Government's flood mitigation operations, but was undertaken at the request of Labadi Beach Hotel.
