The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has clarified its decision to seek the removal of structures and unauthorized occupants from the beachfront adjoining the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. In a statement, SSNIT explained that the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel form part of its investment portfolio and constitute significant national hospitality and tourism assets. The Trust said it had a fiduciary responsibility to protect the investments, preserve their value, and ensure that they continued to generate sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners.
SSNIT sought the urgent intervention of the National Security Council Secretariat to address what it described as the "persistent unlawful occupation, encroachment, and unauthorized activities" on the beachfront adjoining and directly in front of the two hotels. The Trust cited concerns about the safety and security of hotel guests, employees, service providers, and visitors, as well as unauthorized access and proximity to sensitive guest and operational areas.
The continued encroachment on the beachfront presented a number of risks to the hotels and their operations, including increased exposure to fire, sanitation, environmental, and public-health hazards. SSNIT also identified the degradation of the coastal ecosystem, particularly as a result of construction activities on the beachfront and beach sand, as a concern. The situation could also cause reputational damage to the hotels, SSNIT, and Ghana's tourism industry.
A demolition exercise was carried out on Friday, October 2, which affected several structures and businesses along the La Beach area, including La Pleasure Beach and Polo Beach Club. The operation, involving personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service, began in the early hours of Friday. Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, clarified that Friday's action was separate from the Government's flood mitigation exercise.
The demolition initially generated questions about whether it formed part of the Government's ongoing flood mitigation operations in parts of Accra. Mr. Dogbe said the structures affected, including the Polo Beach Club and other permanent structures, were located on the beach in front of the hotel and, according to the hotel, were affecting its safety, tranquillity, and reputation, while diminishing the visitor experience.
SSNIT said the exercise was not intended to prevent the public from accessing the beach. The Trust stated that the affected areas would be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable condition. "The beaches will be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state and will remain open to the public," SSNIT stated. The Trust did not announce plans to convert the cleared beachfront into a private facility or restrict public access.
The exercise has, however, affected a number of businesses and workers operating in the area. The La Dadekotopon MP, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, confronted military personnel at La Pleasure Beach and questioned the basis for the exercise. Some operators also complained about the destruction of their businesses and property, with affected workers seen salvaging belongings from demolished structures.
Key points
- SSNIT sought to protect its hotel investments and preserve their value.
- The demolition exercise was not part of the Government's flood mitigation operations.
- The beaches will remain open to the public after being cleaned and restored.
