Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, has clarified that the recent demolition of structures along a section of the beachfront near the Labadi Beach Hotel in Ghana was not part of the government's flood mitigation exercise. The demolition, which occurred on Friday, involved the removal of several structures, including the Polo Beach Club. According to Mr. Dogbe, the operation was carried out under the supervision of National Security at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel.
The affected structures were located on the beachfront in front of the hotel and, according to the hotel, were adversely affecting its safety, tranquillity, and reputation. The hotel claimed that these structures were diminishing the visitor experience and undermining the orderly management of one of Ghana's most important tourism destinations. Mr. Dogbe emphasized that the demolition was separate from the work of the National Flood Mitigation Task Force, which is currently operating in other areas.
The National Flood Mitigation Task Force is working in areas such as Kpeshie Lagoon, East Legon Boundary Road, Oyarifa, and behind Mayfair Estates to mitigate future flooding. Mr. Dogbe stated that the government's flood mitigation efforts are aimed at supporting the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources. He urged the public not to confuse the Labadi Beach Hotel area with La Pleasure Beach.
The demolition has sparked controversy, with the La Dade-Kotopon MP, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, questioning the exercise and citing previous assurances that structures around Labadi Beach would not be demolished. The affected beachfront has also been the subject of a dispute over land ownership, with operators of the Polo Beach Club taking legal action involving the Labadi Beach Hotel and other parties.
Mr. Dogbe raised concerns about sanitation and security at unauthorized and unregulated commercial operations along the beach. He noted that such activities create serious sanitation concerns and could also pose security risks. The Deputy Chief of Staff referenced drone footage and videos of the area, questioning whether the Labadi Beach Hotel was not justified in seeking to reclaim its beachfront.
The Labadi Beach Hotel is owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), a Ghanaian pension fund. The hotel has been a significant contributor to SSNIT's revenue, with recent reports indicating that it paid GH¢17.8m in dividends. SSNIT has expressed interest in expanding the hotel and exploring new investment opportunities.
The clarification by Mr. Dogbe aims to distinguish the demolition from the government's flood mitigation programme, highlighting sanitation, security, and tourism-management concerns as the reasons for the action. The incident has sparked a renewed debate about the management of Ghana's coastal areas and the balance between economic development and environmental protection.
Key points
- The demolition was carried out at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel.
- The exercise was not part of the government's flood mitigation efforts.
- The structures demolished were adversely affecting the hotel's safety and reputation.
