The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Naa Odoley Sowah, has announced that a committee will be set up to decide on compensation for individuals affected by the recent demolition at La Pleasure Beach in Accra, Ghana. The committee, expected to be established by early next week, will comprise representatives from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), traditional authorities, and the management of the affected beaches. Mrs. Sowah, who is also the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, will be part of the committee.
According to Mrs. Sowah, data on the displaced persons has already been collected, and the committee will determine the type of compensation they will receive. She emphasized that those affected will be compensated, and she is following up closely to ensure that everyone receives what they are entitled to. The committee will also consider the needs of those who may need to be relocated and those who require financial compensation.
The demolition at La Pleasure Beach was carried out as part of flood control efforts in the Greater Accra Region. The exercise is separate from the demolition at Laboma, which was handled under a different arrangement. Mrs. Sowah stressed that the La Pleasure Beach exercise is a distinct issue and will be addressed accordingly.
During a meeting with Parliament's Committee on Local Government and Decentralisation, LaDMA officials were questioned about the demolition of beach facilities and related flood control work. The Municipal Chief Executive of LaDMA, Alfredos Nii Anyetei, explained that the Laboma demolition was carried out to tackle flooding and restore an ecological site. He revealed that the assembly was not consulted but was only shown the affected locations during a meeting.
The Chairperson of the committee, Queenstar Pokua Sawyerr, urged LaDMA to tighten enforcement to prevent people from refilling areas that have been dredged or cleared to improve drainage. She emphasized that municipal and district assemblies must take responsibility for developments within their jurisdictions, while central government agencies can step in during emergencies.
Mrs. Sawyerr also asked the MP and the assembly to ensure that the concerns of those affected are properly addressed. She promised that her committee will follow up on the outcome of the compensation committee's work. The committee's work is expected to bring relief to those affected by the demolition.
The La Pleasure Beach demolition and compensation efforts are being closely monitored by the government and other stakeholders. The affected individuals are expected to receive fair compensation for their losses. The government's efforts aim to balance development needs with the rights and interests of those affected.
Key points
- A committee will be set up to decide on compensation for La Pleasure Beach demolition victims.
- The demolition was carried out as part of flood control efforts in the Greater Accra Region.
- The government has collected data on the displaced persons and will ensure they receive fair compensation.
