Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to rebuild the La Beach economy and support businesses affected by the demolition of structures at La Pleasure Beach in Accra.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Dr Bawumia described La Beach as a socially, economically, culturally and internationally significant enclave that has developed into one of Ghana’s most vibrant beach resorts.
He said the area provides livelihoods for thousands of people, particularly young people, while also serving as a venue for major international events and shows.
Dr Bawumia said he was saddened by the demolition, particularly the destruction of movable assets which, he argued, could have been removed by their owners.
The demolition exercise began in the early hours of Friday, October 2, with personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service clearing structures around the La Beach area.
The government has said the exercise was separate from its flood mitigation programme and was carried out under National Security supervision following a request from the Labadi Beach Hotel. SSNIT has also said it sought National Security intervention over what it described as unlawful occupation, encroachment and unauthorised activities around the beachfront.
Dr Bawumia, however, said La Beach should instead be developed into a major tourism and economic hub.
He outlined five measures he would pursue, including rebuilding the beach economy and issuing leases to individual businesses.
He also promised to redesign the area to meet appropriate standards and assist operators to run compliant businesses.
According to him, his administration would also seek to secure the beachfront for the Labadi Beach Hotel and other major facilities while allowing smaller businesses to coexist within the wider beach ecosystem.
Dr Bawumia further pledged to engage the owners of Laboma Beach to resolve outstanding issues and support them to establish their businesses in compliance with the law.
He also said attention would be given to the lagoon and related environmental and flooding challenges.
“I am committed to save the thousands of jobs that beach economy supports and to improve them,” he said.
The statement comes amid growing public and political debate over Friday’s demolition, which left several businesses and workers affected and prompted the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, to confront security personnel at the scene.
By: Bernard Mensah
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