A joint team of military and police personnel commenced the demolition of structures at La Pleasure Beach in Accra on October 2, 2026. The exercise, carried out by the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces with support from the Ghana Police Service, began in the early hours of the day. Security personnel arrived at about 4 a.m. and directed workers, residents, and operators to vacate the area. Several structures have since been completely or partially demolished.
The demolition has triggered strong opposition from Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon. She confronted military personnel at the site, questioning why the demolition was proceeding despite assurances from government officials that the area would be spared. Ms. Sowah claimed she had engaged with relevant authorities and was assured that structures around the Labadi Beach Hotel would not be demolished.
Ms. Sowah expressed concern about the conduct of security personnel, alleging that some military personnel were firing shots and wielding guns at people at the scene. She questioned the basis for targeting the La area, asking "What has La done?" The MP also disputed the circumstances surrounding the exercise, stating that she had contacted officials of the Labadi Beach Hotel, who seemed unaware of the demolition.
The demolition follows weeks of controversy over the future of La Pleasure Beach and land ownership disputes. Ms. Sowah was informed that the structures were being demolished because the land belonged to the Labadi Beach Hotel. However, the hotel's managing director reportedly claimed to be unaware of the demolition, while a board chairman stated that the exercise had been authorized due to land ownership.
The development is part of a larger post-flood mitigation exercise undertaken by the 48 Engineer Regiment in the La-Laboma coastal area. In September, the military demolished structures at Laboma Beach, citing obstruction of the Kpeshie Lagoon and restriction of water flow into the sea. The regiment explained that its operations focused on removing structures identified as obstructing waterways and contributing to flooding.
The La Pleasure Beach demolition has generated a separate dispute over land ownership and ongoing legal proceedings. A recent report raised concerns that the courts should determine the ownership dispute before demolition proceeds. As the demolition continues, affected operators and residents are being forced to clear their belongings while Ms. Sowah maintains her opposition to the exercise.
The situation remains tense, with Ms. Sowah demanding answers from authorities over the decision to proceed with the demolition. The MP's opposition and the concerns raised by residents and operators highlight the need for a clearer resolution to the land ownership dispute and the impact of the demolition on the community.
Key points
- The demolition at La Pleasure Beach is part of a larger post-flood mitigation exercise in the La-Laboma coastal area.
- MP Rita Naa Odoley Sowah has expressed strong opposition to the demolition, citing assurances from government officials and concerns over land ownership.
- The situation highlights the need for a clearer resolution to the land ownership dispute and the impact of the demolition on the community.
