La Pleasure Beach demolition: Set up committee first before compensation talks – Gov’t told

Abdul Rahman Ashitey, Communications Director of La Pleasure Beach, stated that a committee must be established before any compensation discussions can commence following the recent demolition. The committee is projected to be formed by next week and will gather necessary data on affected vendors, determining the basis for any compensation.

The committee will include the Member of Parliament, the La Traditional Council, and the management of the La Pleasure Beach Hotel. This announcement came after the MP for La Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, revealed that government would form a committee to establish compensation packages for the victims of the La Pleasure Beach demolition.

Sowah informed Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee that all affected individuals' details have been compiled to facilitate the process, with the committee expected to be constituted by early next week. However, Ashitey contested these claims, questioning why talks on compensation were already underway when the committee had not yet been established or the affected individuals properly identified.

He emphasized that no compensation arrangement has been agreed upon and the figures can only be considered post-assessment by the committee. Ashitey highlighted that the demolition aimed to improve the cleanliness of the beach and better facilitate visitor experiences. However, he admitted that the communication surrounding the exercise was insufficient and national security did not involve relevant stakeholders prior to the demolition.

The immediate priority, according to Ashitey, is to establish the committee, collect reliable information on affected vendors, and determine the appropriate course of action, including any compensation. La Pleasure Beach is expected to reopen within three weeks.