The La Traditional Council and Member of Parliament for La-Dade-Kotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, have jointly urged the suspension of plans to redevelop the La Pleasure Beach. This call comes after the demolition of structures at the beach, which the Council claims was carried out without prior notification to the traditional authorities. The Council, as a traditional landowner and major stakeholder, asserts it should have been informed before the exercise.
The 4th La Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, expressed the Council's discontent with the approach taken for the redevelopment process. While acknowledging potential benefits of redeveloping the facility, he criticized the manner in which the process was initiated. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV revealed that the Council has since engaged with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), management of the Labadi Beach Hotel, and National Security over the matter.
Nii Adjei Koofeh IV stated that National Security explained some operations cannot be announced beforehand, but the Council insisted that, as traditional landowners, they deserved prior notice. The La Shikitele rejected claims that the Traditional Council had already been consulted on the redevelopment, saying reports suggesting continued engagement created the impression that consultations had already taken place.
According to Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, SSNIT subsequently apologized for the failure to engage the Council, while National Security also expressed regret over the lack of prior consultation. The Council now expects the redevelopment process to follow proper procedures, with the planned project placed on hold until consultations are completed.
The La Traditional Council is set to establish a committee to examine SSNIT's redevelopment proposals and help find an acceptable resolution. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV said the committee would assess the plans and work towards an agreement that protects the interests of all stakeholders. The Council will prioritize protecting La's interests throughout the process.
The Council is advocating for affected traders to be incorporated into the redevelopment plans. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV said vendors who operated at the beach should be given consideration and provided with spaces when the redevelopment is completed. He also called for measures to address losses suffered by traders and other affected persons following the demolition.
The stakeholders involved in the discussions have accepted the concerns raised by the Council. The Council will continue engaging the relevant authorities and keep residents of La informed as discussions on the future of the beach progress. Updates will be provided as the consultation process develops and decisions are reached.
Key points
- La Traditional Council and MP Rita Naa Odoley Sowah call for suspension of La Pleasure Beach redevelopment plans.
- Council demands prior consultation and engagement in redevelopment process.
- Affected traders to be incorporated into redevelopment plans.
