IMANI’s Kofi Bentil condemns National Security’s role in La Beach demolition
Kofi Bentil says National Security had no justification for demolishing La Pleasure Beach and urges focus on real security threats.
Senior Vice President of IMANI Ghana, Kofi Bentil, has denounced the involvement of National Security in the demolition of La Pleasure Beach, stating the action cannot be justified as a national security matter. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 3, Bentil argued that the dispute was a local one that should have been handled by the district assembly and the courts. He insisted that a private hotel cannot dictate national security actions or order the destruction of other people's property.
Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe confirmed that the demolition on Friday, October 2, was carried out at the request of Labadi Beach Hotel and under the supervision of National Security. Bentil rejected this explanation, emphasizing that the matter belongs to municipal authorities and the judiciary, not to security forces.
Bentil warned that the state’s security priorities are misplaced, pointing to galamsey and drug trafficking as genuine national security concerns. He also highlighted Agbogbloshie’s status as one of the world’s most polluted sites, urging authorities to address environmental threats instead of minor local disputes.
During the broadcast, host Samson Lardy Anyenini shared testimonies from traders who said they were prevented from removing personal belongings such as sewing machines, fridges and soft‑drink stock before the structures were razed. Bentil described the destruction of these movable items as deliberate and malicious, saying it harms the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the beach area.
He stressed that tourism is the primary economic driver for La and its surroundings, and that the government should have supported the operators rather than allowing the demolition to proceed. Bentil called for a more collaborative approach, suggesting that the state could have helped improve the site instead of letting it fall into ruin.
The demolition has sparked political reactions, with former NPP Chairman Freddie Blay accusing former President Mahama of ordering the removal of his son’s Polo Beach Club. Bentil dismissed such accusations as “crocodile tears,” maintaining that the issue remains a local dispute that should not have escalated to a national security level.
