Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has pledged to rebuild the economy around La Pleasure Beach and provide leases for businesses following the demolition of structures at the site.
Several structures and businesses along the La Beach area, including La Pleasure Beach and Polo Beach Club, were demolished on Friday, October 2, by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), the owners of Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
In a statement issued in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Dr Bawumia outlined proposals to restore commercial activity and develop the beach into a major tourism and economic centre.
“We will rebuild the beach economy and issue leases to each business,” he said.
He said the proposals would include redesigning the area to meet appropriate standards and supporting business operators to manage their activities.
Dr Bawumia also pledged to pursue arrangements that would allow Labadi Beach Hotel and other major operators to coexist with smaller businesses operating in the area.
“We will secure the space for Labadi Beach Hotel and others and allow them to coexist with smaller businesses who together create the beach ecosystem,” he stated.
According to Dr Bawumia, the beach is important not only as a recreational destination but also as a source of livelihoods for thousands of people, particularly young people.
He also noted that the area had hosted international events and contributed to Ghana’s tourism promotion through the Year of Return and related activities during the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
“I am convinced that we must make La Beach a major tourist and economic enclave and I pledge my commitment to the people of La, especially the businesses at La Beach, to make that happen,” he said.
His proposals also include engaging the owners of Laboma Beach to resolve outstanding concerns and support compliance with the law.
Dr Bawumia further promised to address issues relating to the lagoon, flooding and the environment as part of efforts to redevelop the area.
He criticised the demolition exercise, particularly the destruction of movable assets that business owners could have retrieved before the structures were pulled down.
“I am committed to save the thousands of jobs that the beach economy supports and to improve them,” he stated.
NDC members distance themselves from demolition
Meanwhile, some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in La Dadekotopon, as well as the Member of Parliament for the area, have distanced themselves from the demolition exercise.
They said neither the party nor local government authorities in the area received advance notice of the exercise.
