The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has clarified that it requested the intervention of the National Security Council Secretariat to address the continued unlawful occupation and encroachment on the beachfronts adjoining the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Ghana. This move is part of SSNIT's efforts to safeguard its investments, which are significant national hospitality and tourism assets. The Board emphasized its fiduciary responsibility to preserve the value of these properties and ensure they generate sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners.
The two hotels, Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, form part of SSNIT's investment portfolio. The Board stated that the beachfront encroachment posed several risks, including threats to the safety and security of hotel guests, employees, and visitors, as well as unauthorized access to sensitive areas. Additionally, the encroachment could lead to increased exposure to fire, sanitation, environmental, and public-health hazards. The situation could also cause reputational damage to the hotels and Ghana's tourism industry, disrupt hotel operations, and negatively affect patronage, revenue, and overall financial performance.
According to SSNIT, the continued occupation of the beachfronts could make future recovery of the affected lands increasingly difficult and costly. In view of these risks, SSNIT requested support from National Security to protect the assets belonging to Ghanaian workers. The pension fund assured that the affected beaches would be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state and would remain open to the public. This move aims to mitigate the risks associated with the encroachment and ensure the long-term sustainability of the hotels.
The removal exercise, carried out in the early hours of Friday, 2 October 2026, involved personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service. They cleared structures at La Pleasure Beach and the Polo Beach Club. The exercise was conducted under National Security supervision at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel. The intervention was aimed at addressing the unlawful occupation and encroachment on the beachfronts.
The intervention by National Security has drawn political reactions. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, condemned the demolition as wanton and pledged to rebuild the beach economy if elected. He expressed concerns about the impact of the demolition on the local economy and the livelihoods of those affected. His comments reflect the broader debate about the management of Ghana's coastal resources and the balance between economic development and environmental protection.
Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe clarified that the exercise was not part of the government's flood mitigation programme. He emphasized that the intervention was carried out under National Security supervision at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel. This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions about the purpose and scope of the exercise. The government has assured that the affected beaches will be restored to a safe and desirable state.
The SSNIT Board's decision to request National Security intervention reflects its commitment to protecting its investments and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its assets. The Board's statement emphasized that the intervention was necessary to address the risks associated with the encroachment and to safeguard the properties. The exercise has highlighted the need for effective management of Ghana's coastal resources and the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection.
Key points
- SSNIT requests National Security to address unlawful occupation of beachfronts adjoining Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
- The intervention aims to mitigate risks associated with encroachment, including threats to safety and security, and reputational damage to hotels and Ghana's tourism industry.
- The exercise has drawn political reactions, with Dr Mahamudu Bawumia condemning the demolition and pledging to rebuild the beach economy if elected.
