Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has condemned the demolition of structures at La Pleasure Beach in Accra, describing the exercise as “wanton” and expressing concern over its impact on businesses and livelihoods.
The demolition began in the early hours of Friday, October 2, with personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces’ 48 Engineer Regiment, supported by the Ghana Police Service, directing workers and operators to vacate the area before structures were pulled down. Several businesses and facilities were affected, with workers seen attempting to retrieve their belongings from the rubble.
Dr Bawumia, in his reaction, pledged that if elected, he would rebuild the La Pleasure Beach enclave and work to restore the thousands of jobs associated with businesses operating in the area.
Dr Bawumia, in his reaction, pledged that if elected, he would rebuild the La Pleasure Beach enclave and work to restore the thousands of jobs associated with businesses operating in the area.
The demolition has triggered controversy, particularly over the authority behind the exercise and the ownership of the affected land. La Dadekotopon MP Rita Naa Odoley Sowah confronted security personnel at the site, saying she had previously received assurances that structures in the area would not be demolished.
Management of La Pleasure Beach had also previously disputed an order to vacate the facility, citing an ongoing court case over the ownership of the beachfront land.
Government officials have meanwhile clarified that Friday’s demolition was not part of the government’s post-flood mitigation task force, but was undertaken under National Security supervision following a request from Labadi Beach Hotel concerning structures and commercial activities along its beachfront.
The exercise has left traders, hospitality operators and other workers facing the loss of businesses and livelihoods, with the wider dispute over the demolition and the affected land still unfolding.
