The Board of Trustees of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust has defended its decision to remove unauthorised occupants from the beachfronts adjoining the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Ghana. The Trust stated that the action was necessary to protect assets belonging to Ghanaian workers and pensioners. SSNIT sought the urgent intervention of the National Security Council Secretariat to address the persistent unlawful occupation, encroachment, and unauthorised activities on the beachfronts.
The two hotel properties form part of SSNIT's investment portfolio and constitute significant national hospitality and tourism assets. The Trust has a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard these investments, preserve their value, and ensure they continue to generate sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners. SSNIT listed several risks posed by the continued encroachment, including threats to the safety and security of hotel guests, employees, and visitors.
The Trust noted that the unauthorised occupation and encroachment pose risks such as unauthorised access to sensitive guest areas, increased exposure to fire, sanitation, and public health hazards. There is also a risk of deterioration of beachfront standards, degradation of the coastal ecosystem, and reputational damage to the hotels and Ghana's tourism industry. Disruption of hotel operations could have adverse effects on revenue and financial performance.
SSNIT expressed concern about the risk of further expansion of the encroachments, which could make recovery of the affected lands increasingly difficult and costly. The Trust requested support from National Security to protect the assets belonging to Ghanaian workers. The beaches will be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state and will remain open to the public.
The removal exercise, carried out in the early hours of October 2, 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 action has drawn reactions from various stakeholders.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, condemned the demolition as wanton and pledged to rebuild the beach economy if elected. Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe clarified that the exercise was not part of the government's flood mitigation programme but was carried out under National Security supervision at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel.
The SSNIT's decision to seek National Security intervention has sparked a heated debate about the management of Ghana's coastal resources and the role of various stakeholders in their preservation. The outcome of this situation will likely have implications for the country's tourism industry and the management of its national assets.
Key points
- SSNIT sought National Security intervention to protect its assets from unauthorised occupation and encroachment.
- The removal exercise was carried out to mitigate risks posed by the continued encroachment, including threats to safety and security.
- The situation has sparked a debate about the management of Ghana's coastal resources and the role of various stakeholders.
