The management of La Pleasure Beach in Ghana has stated that a committee must be constituted to assess the impact of the recent demolition before any discussions on compensation for affected vendors can begin. According to Communications Director Abdul Rahman Ashitey, the committee will gather necessary data on affected vendors and determine the basis for compensation. The committee is expected to comprise the Member of Parliament, the La Traditional Council, and La Pleasure Beach Hotel management.
The demolition of La Pleasure Beach has sparked controversy, with the government announcing plans to set up a committee to determine compensation packages for victims. MP for La Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, revealed that details of all affected persons have been compiled to facilitate the process. The committee is expected to be constituted by early next week, but Ashitey disputes claims that discussions on compensation have already started.
Ashitey emphasized that no compensation arrangement has been agreed upon, and figures can only be considered after the committee has completed its assessment. He explained that the demolition was linked to efforts to improve the cleanliness of the beach and create a better environment for visitors. The exercise was carried out by National Security, but Ashitey noted that communication surrounding the demolition was inadequate and that stakeholders were not engaged before the demolition.
The La Pleasure Beach management is insisting that the committee must be set up before any compensation talks can begin. Ashitey stressed that the affected persons have not been properly identified, and the committee's assessment is crucial in determining the way forward. The proposed committee will play a crucial role in gathering reliable information on affected vendors and determining the basis for compensation.
According to Ashitey, the immediate priority is to establish the committee, collect reliable information on affected vendors, and then determine the appropriate way forward, including any compensation. He acknowledged that the demolition was necessary to keep the beach clean for visitors but expressed concerns about the communication and stakeholder engagement.
The government has assured that affected persons will be compensated, with Rita Naa Odoley Sowah announcing that details of all affected persons have been compiled. However, Ashitey disputed the claims, questioning why discussions on compensation had already started when the committee had not yet been formed. The La Pleasure Beach Hotel is expected to reopen within three weeks.
The La Pleasure Beach demolition has raised concerns about the need for effective communication and stakeholder engagement in such exercises. The management's insistence on a committee being set up before compensation talks highlights the importance of a thorough assessment of the impact of the demolition.
Key points
- * A committee must be constituted to assess the impact of the demolition before compensation talks can begin. * The committee will comprise the Member of Parliament, the La Traditional Council, and La Pleasure Beach Hotel management. * The La Pleasure Beach Hotel is expected to reopen within three weeks.
