Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticised the demolition of businesses at La Pleasure Beach, describing the area as a socially, economically and culturally significant enclave that supports thousands of livelihoods.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Dr Bawumia said the demolition of the beach resort is particularly concerning because of its importance to the people of La, Ghana’s tourism industry and the wider economy.
According to him, La Beach has evolved into one of Ghana’s most vibrant beach destinations and has over the years hosted several international functions, entertainment events and other activities.
He noted that the area also played an important role during the NPP administration’s “Year of Return” initiative and related activities that attracted international attention to Ghana.
“It’s sad that this very significant enclave has been demolished so wantonly,” Dr Bawumia said.
He expressed particular concern about the destruction of movable assets belonging to some businesses, arguing that such items could have been removed by their owners before the demolition.
“It is particularly painful and surprising that even movable assets which the owners could have removed easily were destroyed in a most bizarre fashion,” he added.
Dr Bawumia said a future NPP administration under his leadership would seek to transform La Beach into a major tourism and economic enclave while protecting the livelihoods of people whose businesses depend on the area.
He pledged to work with affected businesses and other stakeholders to rebuild what he described as the “beach economy” and create a more structured environment for operators.
As part of his proposals, he said leases would be issued to individual businesses operating at the beach to provide them with greater security and a formal basis for their operations.
“We will rebuild the beach economy and issue leases to each business,” he stated.
He also promised to redesign the space to meet appropriate standards while supporting operators to run their businesses in compliance with the law.
The NPP flagbearer further proposed a framework that would allow major hospitality establishments in the area, including the Labadi Beach Hotel, to coexist with smaller businesses that contribute to the wider beach ecosystem.
He said his administration would secure the space occupied by the Labadi Beach Hotel and other major establishments while ensuring that smaller businesses are not excluded from 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 said.
Dr Bawumia also said he would engage the owners of Laboma Beach to address outstanding concerns and help regularise their operations.
According to him, the objective would be to resolve the issues affecting the business while ensuring that operators comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Beyond the businesses and tourism potential of the area, Dr Bawumia said attention would also be given to environmental challenges affecting La Beach.
He specifically identified the lagoon and flooding as issues requiring intervention.
“We will also work on the lagoon and resolve issues related to flooding and the environment,” he said.
He argued that addressing those challenges would be necessary to create a sustainable beach economy capable of supporting businesses and employment over the long term.
Dr Bawumia said his proposed interventions are also aimed at protecting employment, particularly for young people who depend on businesses along the beach for their livelihoods.
He said he is committed to saving the thousands of jobs supported by the beach economy and improving the conditions under which those businesses operate.
“I am committed to save the thousands of jobs that beach economy supports and to improve them,” he stated.
His comments come amid public concern over the demolition of structures and businesses around La Pleasure Beach, with affected traders and operators counting their losses following the exercise.
Dr Bawumia said the future of La Beach should be approached through a combination of tourism development, business regulation, environmental management and protection of livelihoods.
By 1960news.com
