Bawumia Criticises La Pleasure Beach Demolition Over Destruction of Movable Assets
Former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has condemned the recent demolition at La Pleasure Beach in Accra, questioning why valuable movable property belonging to traders was destroyed instead of being removed.
The demolition exercise carried out on Friday, October 2, 2026, affected several structures including La Pleasure Beach and the Polo Beach Club along the La Beach coastline.
In a statement released from Kumasi on the following day, Saturday, October 3, 2026, Dr Bawumia described the enclave as a vital source of livelihood for thousands of Ghanaians, especially young people.
He expressed disappointment that assets which could have been taken away by their owners were left behind and pulverised, calling the action wanton and surprising.
The former Vice President highlighted the beach’s social, economic and cultural importance, noting its role in supporting thousands of jobs and its contribution to tourism, including events linked to the Year of Return.
Dr Bawumia pledged to work towards restoring the affected businesses and redeveloping the area into a major tourism and economic hub.
He announced plans to rebuild the beach economy, issue leases to individual operators and redesign the space to meet appropriate standards while assisting owners in managing their enterprises.
The former Vice President also proposed arrangements that would allow larger operators such as the Labadi Beach Hotel to coexist with smaller traders, describing such coexistence as essential to the beach’s economy.
Additionally, he committed to engaging with the owners of Laboma Beach to address their concerns and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Environmental considerations were also mentioned, with Dr Bawumia stating that work on the lagoon would form part of broader efforts to tackle flooding and improve conditions for beach users.
The demolition at La Pleasure Beach was part of a wider clearance initiative by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which explained that the removal of structures and unauthorised occupants near the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra was aimed at protecting hotel investments while keeping the beaches public.
SSNIT’s statement underscored the need to balance private investment interests with the public’s right to access the shoreline.
Other political figures, including Anthony Karbo, have weighed in on related matters, while various organisations continue to monitor the situation and its impact on the local economy.
Dr Bawumia’s spokesperson, Dr Ekua Amoakoh, has also been recognised for her leadership contributions, receiving a nomination for a prestigious U.S. leadership programme.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party is set to elect its national executives in Kumasi, an event that is attracting significant attention ahead of the 2028 elections.
