By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, Oct.29, GNA – The Coalition of La Associations (COLA) is demanding fair compensation for businesses and individuals affected by the demolition exercises at Laboma Beach Resort and La Pleasure Beach, warning that affected families must not be abandoned in the name of development.
It has also called for an independent review of the demolitions, meaningful consultation with affected stakeholders and a halt to further non-emergency demolition exercises along the La coastline until the concerns of the community are addressed.
The demands were in a statement by COLA in La, copied to the Ghana News Agency, expressing concern about the destruction of businesses, loss of investments and disruption of livelihoods following the two exercises.
Several structures at Laboma Beach Resort were demolished on September 13, 2026, by the government’s Post Flood Mitigation Task Force as part of efforts to restore the Kpeshie Lagoon and address flooding in surrounding communities.
Another demolition exercise took place at La Pleasure Beach and the adjoining beachfront on October 2, 2026, affecting restaurants, bars and other businesses.
COLA stressed that it was not opposed to development, environmental protection or measures to prevent flooding, but maintained that such interventions must also protect the livelihoods of affected communities.
“Protecting the environment and protecting people’s livelihoods should not be treated as competing interests. Government must be able to do both,” the statement said.
According to the coalition, figures from the Ghana Tourism Federation indicated that 85 businesses were affected by the La Pleasure Beach demolition, putting approximately 4,000 jobs at risk, many of them belonging to women.
It noted that the figures did not capture the full extent of losses suffered by vendors and businesses at Laboma Beach Resort.
The statement further indicated that some affected operators at La Pleasure Beach had reportedly been given little time to retrieve their belongings, while others had questioned the adequacy of the notice they received.
COLA, therefore, called for a transparent compensation process covering both locations, including assessments of destroyed structures, equipment, furniture, stock and other business assets.
It also urged the authorities to provide emergency financial assistance, livelihood support or relocation assistance to people who had lost their principal sources of income, particularly small scale traders, women and vulnerable workers.
Although it welcomed the announcement of a proposed committee to assess compensation for victims at La Pleasure Beach, the coalition insisted that affected businesses at Laboma Beach Resort must also be included.
The statement said the process should have a clear timetable for assessments, decisions and payments, while allowing affected persons to present permits, ownership documents and evidence of their investments.
On the circumstances surrounding the La Pleasure Beach demolition, COLA cited a public clarification by Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe that the exercise was not part of the government’s flood mitigation programme but was carried out under National Security supervision following a request from Labadi Beach Hotel.
It also referred to an explanation by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) that it sought security intervention to protect its hotel investments against what it described as encroachment and unauthorised activities.
The coalition questioned whether adequate consultations had been held with all affected stakeholders and whether reasonable opportunities for dialogue had been explored before the demolitions.
It consequently called for an independent review of the operations, including the use of state security personnel, notices issued to affected operators, their treatment and compliance with applicable procedures.
Kpeshie Lagoon restoration
Regarding Laboma Beach Resort, COLA called on government agencies to expedite the survey and demarcation of the required buffer zone along the Kpeshie Lagoon adjoining the resort.
It said uncertainty over the boundaries had prevented management from proceeding with plans to secure the remaining properties and investments.
The coalition requested a written demarcation plan and guidance to enable the construction of a perimeter fence without encroaching on the protected area or obstructing drainage.
It also called for the resort’s management to participate in consultations and planning for proposed mangrove restoration and ecological rehabilitation along the adjoining lagoon.
Beyond compensation and environmental restoration, COLA advocated structured engagement involving the La Traditional Council, La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly, SSNIT, affected business operators and other relevant institutions.
It further proposed that any future beachfront redevelopment should offer fair opportunities to affected businesses and La indigenes, including consideration of leases, resettlement and the return of eligible operators.
The coalition also called for a comprehensive development plan for the La coastline that balanced flood prevention, tourism, local employment, public access and ecological protection.
Seven day ultimatum
COLA has given the relevant authorities seven days from the date of the statement to provide a meaningful response, warning that failure to address its concerns could lead to petitions to the Presidency and Parliament, peaceful demonstrations and appropriate legal action.
It urged residents, business owners, fishermen, market women and young people to remain calm and pursue their concerns peacefully.
“We are not asking government to abandon development. We are asking government not to abandon its people in the name of development,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade