New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to rebuild the business ecosystem at La Pleasure Beach and support affected operators following the demolition of structures at the Accra beachfront.
In a statement dated October 3, 2026, Dr Bawumia described La Beach as a socially, economically and culturally significant destination that has provided livelihoods for thousands of people, particularly young people.
His comments come a day after a joint operation involving personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces’ 48 Engineer Regiment and the Ghana Police Service demolished several structures at the La Pleasure Beach area. The exercise began in the early hours of Friday, October 2, with workers and operators reportedly directed to vacate the premises.
Dr Bawumia said he was concerned about the demolition and the destruction of property belonging to business operators.
He said La Beach had also served as a venue for international events and shows and had contributed to Ghana’s tourism and entertainment sectors.
The NPP flagbearer said that, under his proposed approach, the beach economy would be rebuilt and individual businesses would be issued leases.
He also said the space would be redesigned to meet required standards, while operators would be assisted to run their businesses within the applicable regulatory framework.
Dr Bawumia further pledged to secure space for the Labadi Beach Hotel and other establishments while allowing smaller businesses to operate alongside them as part of the broader beach economy.
His statement comes amid differing accounts about the basis for Friday’s demolition. Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, said the exercise was carried out under National Security supervision at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel and was separate from the government’s flood mitigation programme.
Dr Bawumia also pledged to engage the owners of Laboma Beach to address their concerns and work with them to establish their businesses in compliance with the law.
He said he would further work on issues relating to the lagoon, including flooding and environmental concerns.
The NPP flagbearer said his proposed interventions were intended to protect the thousands of jobs supported by the beach economy and improve the conditions under which businesses operate.
The demolition has generated concern among affected businesses and local stakeholders, with the La Dadekotopon Member of Parliament, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, confronting security personnel at the site and questioning the basis for the exercise.
The ownership and legal status of parts of the beachfront have also been subject to disputes involving businesses operating in the area, with some operators maintaining that related matters are before the courts.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
