07/10/2026
LA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL RAISES CONCERNS OVER LA PLEASURE BEACH DEMOLITION
The La Traditional Council has raised concerns over the recent demolition exercise at the La Pleasure Beach area, calling for proper consultation, dialogue and collaboration among all relevant stakeholders to resolve issues surrounding the site.
The Council expressed its concerns at a press conference held on Tuesday, October 7, 2026, at the La Traditional Council, where the La Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, provided an account of the events leading to the demolition and outlined the Council’s position on the way forward.
The press conference was held in collaboration with the Member of Parliament for the La Dade-Kotopon Constituency and the Deputy Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, and the Municipal Chief Executive of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei.
According to the Traditional Council, it first became aware of the planned demolition on September 16, 2026, through the Coalition of La Associations (COLA) and some members of the management of the La Pleasure Beach Resort. The Council subsequently sought clarification and made efforts to engage the relevant parties to understand the proposed exercise.
The Council later invited representatives of the facilities management to a meeting, but the representatives were unable to attend and requested additional time. Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive, the Member of Parliament of La Dade Kotopon constituency and other constituency representatives also engaged the Traditional Council after becoming aware of the intended demolition.
Despite these engagements, the demolition eventually took place at about 3:30 a.m. on Friday. The Traditional Council maintained that it had not received any formal notification from Government or the agencies responsible for the exercise before the operation was carried out.
Following the demolition, a stakeholder meeting was convened at the National Security Council Secretariat to discuss the matter. The meeting brought together representatives from National Security, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Greater Accra Regional Administration, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly and other relevant stakeholders.
During the meeting, National Security reportedly explained that the demolition followed an engagement with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which had concerns regarding the state of the area and intended to undertake redevelopment around its hotel facilities.
The Traditional Council, however, raised questions concerning the ownership and acquisition of the land. The Council maintained that the land was acquired from the La Stool and that compensation had not been paid. It also indicated that the area covered by the acquisition did not necessarily extend across the entire beach.
The Council stressed that it was not opposed to development or efforts aimed at improving the area. Rather, it called for any redevelopment to be undertaken through proper consultation and in a manner that protects the interests of the La Traditional Council and the people of La.
Particular attention was also drawn to the welfare of workers, local residents and vendors operating within the affected area. The Council called for their interests to be considered, especially those who may have suffered losses as a result of the demolition.
The Traditional Council further expressed concern about the approach adopted during the demolition, stressing that as a key traditional stakeholder, it should have been engaged before such a major exercise was undertaken.
Following the discussions among the various stakeholders, the proposed redevelopment has reportedly been put on hold while a committee is established to examine the issues surrounding the land, the demolition and the redevelopment plans.
The committee is expected to consider the concerns raised by the Traditional Council and other affected parties and work towards an amicable settlement.
The La Traditional Council reiterated its willingness to support development that brings greater economic and social benefits to La. However, it stressed that such development must be properly planned, transparent and inclusive, with adequate consideration given to the rights and interests of traditional authorities and the people of La.
The Council maintained that the situation underscores the importance of stakeholder consultation, respect for traditional authorities and proper engagement with affected communities when major redevelopment projects are undertaken. It therefore expressed its readiness to continue engaging with Government and other relevant stakeholders to find an acceptable way forward.
The Council is now awaiting the formation of the proposed committee and further engagements among the stakeholders to resolve the outstanding issues and determine the future direction of the La Pleasure Beach area.
REPORTED BY
HAALA HASSAN BAMBA
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
