La Beach demolition was a request by Labadi Beach Hotel, not government action – Stan Dogbe

By Ashiadey Dotse The demolition of structures along La Beach in Accra was conducted independently of the government's flood mitigation program, according to Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Stan Dogbe. Mr. Dogbe clarified that the exercise was carried out under the supervision of National Security at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel.

His remarks followed the demolition of structures at La Pleasure Beach and the Polo Beach Club near Labadi Beach Hotel by military personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment and the Ghana Police Service. The structures were also directed to vacate the area by the security personnel. In a Facebook post on October 2, Mr. Dogbe emphasized that the recent action was not part of the government's flood mitigation efforts.

"Let's not get it twisted," he stated, "Friday's action along a section of the beachfront was not a Flood Mitigation Action by the government task force." The government's flood mitigation team was instead working on locations such as Kpeshie Lagoon, East Legon Boundary Road, Oyarifa, and behind Mayfair Estates. Mr. Dogbe noted that the demolished structures included permanent ones that, as per the Labadi Beach Hotel, compromised the hotel's safety, tranquility, and reputation.

The hotel had also complained that the activities were negatively impacting the visitor experience and the orderly management of the tourism site. Mr. Dogbe added that the hotel was expected to provide further information regarding its desire to reclaim its beachfront. He expressed concerns about sanitation and security issues resulting from unauthorized and unregulated commercial activities, which he believed could lead to more significant problems.

Mr. Dogbe had reviewed drone footage and videos of the area prior to questioning whether the Labadi Beach Hotel was justified in seeking to reclaim its beachfront. He made it clear, however, that his comments regarding the hotel's beachfront did not pertain to La Pleasure Beach.