The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has confirmed its involvement in the demolition of the La Pleasure Beach Resort, which has sparked controversy. In a statement issued on October 2, 2026, SSNIT admitted to seeking the urgent intervention of the National Security Council Secretariat to protect its investments. The Trust cited persistent unlawful occupation, encroachment, and unauthorized activities on the beachfront adjoining its Labadi Beach and La Palm Royal Beach Hotels.
SSNIT stated that its two hotels form part of its investment portfolio and constitute significant national hospitality and tourism assets. The Trust exercised its fiduciary responsibility to safeguard these investments, which generate sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners under the Basic National Social Security Scheme. The hotels have experienced unauthorized access to sensitive guest and operational areas, increased exposure to fire, sanitation, and environmental hazards, and reputational damage.
The demolition has attracted criticism from residents, who claim their livelihoods have been destroyed. The military, who undertook the operations, applied minimum force to disperse the residents. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon Constituency, visited the scene and confronted the soldiers, expressing her disappointment over the destruction of investments in her constituency. She claimed that the government had not sanctioned the demolition exercise.
Deputy Chief of Staff in Charge of Operations, Stan Xoese Dogbe, distanced the Anti-Flood Taskforce from Friday's Labadi Beach bulldozing. He stated that the action was carried out under the supervision of National Security at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel. Dogbe noted that the structures demolished were adversely affecting the safety, tranquillity, and reputation of the hotel.
The Polo Beach Club, one of the demolished structures, is owned by Kwaw Worsemao Blay, the son of former New Patriotic Party National Chairman Freddie Blay. Freddie Blay condemned the exercise, stating that his son's GHC35 million investment had been destroyed. In 2024, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced that the Freddie Blay family had illegally occupied the beachfront of Labadi Beach Hotel.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the opposition NPP, described the demolition as "sad". He noted that La Beach has evolved into a vibrant beach resort and a source of livelihood for thousands of people. Bawumia pledged his commitment to rebuilding the beach economy and issuing leases to each business when voted into power.
SSNIT has assured the public that the beaches will be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state and will remain open to the public. The Board of Trustees has also assured that the Trust will continue to protect its investments and ensure sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners.
Key points
- SSNIT confirms involvement in demolition of La Pleasure Beach Resort
- Demolition sparks controversy and criticism from residents
- Government officials weigh in on the issue, with some distancing themselves from the demolition
