Member of Parliament for La-Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has clarified that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had no involvement in the recent demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach in Ghana. According to her, the party was neither informed nor involved in the decision to demolish structures at the beach. The development came as a surprise to the party, with Sowah stating that the NDC had conducted checks prior to the exercise and was informed that the Pleasure Beach was not part of the demolition exercise being undertaken by the Labadi Beach Hotel.
The demolition exercise, which involved the Labadi Beach Hotel and National Security, was carried out without proper engagement with the affected businesses and other stakeholders, according to Sowah. She expressed concern that the affected business owners were not given adequate notice to remove their belongings before the demolition. Sowah stated that the party had not been aware of the plans to demolish the Pleasure Beach, adding that the exercise should have been preceded by proper engagement with those affected.
Sowah made the clarifications at a press conference, where she appealed to the affected business owners. She assured them that the NDC would engage them and provide clarity on developments following discussions with the relevant authorities. The MP also announced plans for a stakeholders' meeting expected to involve traditional authorities, the NDC, Labadi Beach Hotel, the affected operators, and other relevant stakeholders.
The stakeholders' meeting, scheduled for the following week, aims to provide an opportunity for the parties to discuss the demolition and agree on the way forward. Sowah emphasized the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in the discussions, including chiefs and the affected business owners. The meeting is expected to help resolve the issues arising from the demolition exercise.
Sowah's clarification comes after the demolition exercise, which has raised concerns among the affected business owners and the general public. The NDC's denial of involvement in the demolition has helped to clear the air, but the party's engagement with the affected stakeholders is expected to be crucial in resolving the issues. The incident has highlighted the need for proper communication and engagement between stakeholders in such exercises.
The La Pleasure Beach demolition has sparked debate about the management of public spaces and the involvement of various stakeholders in such exercises. The incident has also raised questions about the role of the Labadi Beach Hotel and National Security in the demolition exercise. Sowah's announcement of a stakeholders' meeting is expected to help address these concerns and provide a way forward.
The outcome of the stakeholders' meeting will be crucial in determining the future of the La Pleasure Beach and the affected business owners. The NDC's engagement with the affected stakeholders is expected to help resolve the issues arising from the demolition exercise. The incident has highlighted the need for proper planning, communication, and engagement in such exercises to avoid harm to affected stakeholders.
Key points
- The NDC party denies involvement in the La Pleasure Beach demolition exercise.
- A stakeholders' meeting is planned to discuss the demolition and agree on the way forward.
- The affected business owners were not given adequate notice to remove their belongings before the demolition.
