Professor Ishmael Mensah, a tourism academic at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has called for a dedicated beach authority to manage Ghana's beaches. He argues that the lack of a single body in charge of the beaches led to the recent demolition of structures at La Pleasure Beach in Accra. According to Prof. Mensah, the proposed authority would regulate development, protect the environment, and bring order to tourism businesses operating on the beachfront.
The call for a beach authority comes after the demolition of structures at La Pleasure Beach on October 2. The demolition was carried out by the Labadi Beach Hotel management and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), citing security and sanitation concerns. The move has triggered weeks of protests from La residents and their allies, with some calling for government intervention. Former NPP chairman Freddie Blay joined residents in a march to Jubilee House, while actor and activist John Dumelo-linked figure Glover has pressed Ga traditional leaders on their silence over the demolitions.
Prof. Mensah stated that the problem of uncoordinated beach development is a nationwide issue that has built up over the years. He noted that various agencies have been quiet as people put up all manner of structures on some portions of Ghana's beaches. The proposed beach authority would oversee sanitation, security, and environmental standards on beaches earmarked for tourism. Businesses and activities on these beaches would be required to comply with approved planning rules and environmental guidelines.
The University of Cape Coast professor emphasized that the beach authority would take charge of the day-to-day running of beaches. He stressed that the authority would ensure that businesses and activities on the beaches operate within the law. Prof. Mensah's intervention has raised questions about who is responsible for preventing similar stand-offs from recurring at other beaches along Ghana's coast.
The La Pleasure Beach demolitions have sparked a national conversation about the management of Ghana's beaches. The incident has highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to beach development and management. Prof. Mensah's proposal for a dedicated beach authority has been welcomed by some as a potential solution to the problem.
The Ghanaian Times reported that Prof. Mensah made the call in an interview. He noted that the lack of a single body in charge of the beaches has led to the current situation. The proposed beach authority would address the issue of uncoordinated beach development and ensure that Ghana's beaches are managed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
The issue of beach management has become a pressing concern in Ghana. With the proposed beach authority, the government may be able to address the concerns of stakeholders and ensure that Ghana's beaches are managed in a way that benefits both the local community and the tourism industry.
Key points
- The University of Cape Coast Professor, Ishmael Mensah, proposes a dedicated beach authority to regulate development along Ghana's coastline.
- The lack of a single body in charge of Ghana's beaches has led to uncoordinated development and environmental concerns.
- The proposed beach authority would oversee sanitation, security, and environmental standards on beaches earmarked for tourism.
