New Patriotic Party flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has condemned the La Pleasure Beach demolition, describing the exercise as painful and pledging to rebuild the tourism and business economy around the beachfront if elected President.
His comments follow Friday’s demolition of structures along the La beachfront in Accra by personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces’ 48 Engineer Regiment, supported by the Ghana Police Service. Several businesses and other structures were affected.
In a statement issued from Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, Dr Bawumia described La Beach as an important tourism, cultural and economic enclave that supports livelihoods, particularly among young people.
“It’s sad that this very significant enclave has been demolished so wantonly,” he said, questioning why movable assets belonging to operators were also destroyed.
Bawumia Promises Leases for Businesses
Dr Bawumia said his proposed redevelopment would give businesses more security through formal leases while redesigning the beachfront to meet improved tourism and operational standards.
“We will rebuild the beach economy and issue leases to each business,” he said.
His plan would also seek to protect space used by Labadi Beach Hotel while allowing smaller operators to coexist within the broader beachfront economy.
He further pledged engagement with operators of Laboma Beach to resolve outstanding issues and bring their activities into compliance with the law.
SSNIT Defends Clearance Exercise
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust has separately defended the clearance exercise, saying it was intended to protect investments surrounding Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
SSNIT said the action targeted structures and unauthorised occupants on the adjoining beachfront, while stressing that the beaches themselves would remain accessible to the public.
Dr Bawumia also promised measures to address flooding and environmental problems around the lagoon, saying his broader objective was to preserve and improve jobs supported by the beach economy.
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