La Shikitele Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, a prominent figure in Ghana, has denied responsibility for the demolition of structures at the Laboma Beach Resort. The demolition, which occurred on September 13, was carried out by the Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force as part of efforts to reclaim the protected buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon and address flooding concerns in the area. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV stated that the exercise was undertaken by the government and not initiated by him.
The demolition formed part of broader flood mitigation measures targeting structures located within waterways and their designated buffer zones. According to Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, management of the resort had been cautioned on several occasions against putting up structures within the buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon but failed to comply with the directives. He made these statements at a town hall meeting in La on September 22.
Several structures at Laboma Beach in the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality, including the popular Pink Flamingo Lounge, were demolished during the exercise. The demolition followed an August 7 directive for the removal of structures encroaching on waterways and their buffer zones as part of broader measures to restore natural drainage channels across the Greater Accra Region.
Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, who is also head of the Nmati Abonasi Quarter, said vendors and other persons affected by the exercise should direct their concerns to the management of Laboma Beach Resort. He maintained that he should not be held responsible for the demolition or its consequences. The kingmaker emphasized that repeated warnings had been issued to the resort’s management.
The Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force carried out the demolition as part of efforts to address flooding concerns in the area. The task force's actions were aimed at reclaiming the protected buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV's denial of responsibility for the demolition comes after allegations emerged linking him to the exercise.
Titus Glover, a local politician, has questioned the Laboma Beach demolition and proposed widening the Kpeshie Lagoon outlet. This development suggests that the demolition has sparked debate among local stakeholders. The incident has also raised concerns about the impact of the demolition on businesses and individuals affected.
The incident highlights the ongoing efforts to restore natural drainage channels and address flooding concerns in the Greater Accra Region. The government's directive for the removal of structures encroaching on waterways and their buffer zones aims to mitigate the risk of flooding in the region. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV's denial of responsibility for the demolition has helped to clarify the role of government authorities in the exercise.
Key points
- La Shikitele Nii Adjei Koofeh IV denies responsibility for Laboma Beach Resort demolition
- Demolition was part of efforts to reclaim Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone and address flooding concerns
- Nii Adjei Koofeh IV blames government for demolition, not himself
