Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to rebuild the beach economy at La Pleasure Beach under a future NPP government, following the demolition of structures along the Labadi beachfront.
The demolition comes amid growing concerns over the encroachment of temporary structures, traders and alleged land guards along the beachfront, with hoteliers and tourists raising concerns about security, sanitation and the loss of a private beach experience.
Commenting on Thursday’s exercise, Dr Bawumia described the demolition as “wanton and bizarre”, expressing concern over the destruction of movable assets that their owners could have salvaged.
In a statement issued in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Dr Bawumia said the Labadi beach supports the livelihoods of thousands of people, particularly the youth, and has served as a hub for major international events and entertainment activities.
“During the NPP government’s tenure, it was one of the key places which supported the successful Year of Return and related activities which put Ghana on the map,” he said.
Dr Bawumia described the demolition as particularly painful, given the economic opportunities and employment the beach provides to residents of La and businesses operating in the area.
He pledged to transform the enclave into a major tourism and economic hub, assuring affected businesses of his commitment to restoring their operations.
“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.
As part of his proposed plan, Dr Bawumia said a future NPP government would rebuild the beach economy, issue leases to individual businesses, and redesign the space to meet required standards while supporting operators.
He also proposed securing space for the Labadi Beach Hotel and other establishments to coexist with smaller businesses, which he said collectively contribute to the beach’s economic ecosystem.
“We will rebuild the beach economy and issue leases to each business. We will redesign the space to meet standards and assist the operators to run it,” he said.
“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. We will engage the owners of LABOMA beach and resolve their issues and work with them to establish their business and make them compliant with the law. We will also work on the lagoon and resolve issues related to flooding and the environment,” he added.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
