La Traditional Council opposes redevelopment of La Pleasure Beach without consultation

The La Traditional Council and La-Dade-Kotopon's Member of Parliament, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, have urged the postponement of redevelopment plans for La Pleasure Beach until key stakeholders have been fully consulted. This call was made in response to the recent demolition of structures at the beach, which the Council alleges occurred without prior notification to traditional authorities.

Speaking to media, the 4th La Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, stated that the Council, as a traditional landowner and significant stakeholder, should have been informed of the impending demolition. He expressed disappointment at the Council's exclusion from the process prior to the demolition. Nii Adjei Koofeh IV further criticized the initiation of the redevelopment process, stating that while redevelopment could benefit the state, it was unjustified that the Council was not consulted beforehand.

He emphasized that as traditional landowners, the Council deserved prior notice of the demolition. The Council has since engaged in discussions with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), management of the Labadi Beach Hotel, and National Security over the matter. While acknowledging potential benefits from redevelopment, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV strongly criticized the manner in which the process was initiated, particularly the lack of prior consultation.

He noted that National Security acknowledged some operations could not be announced in advance but insisted that as landowners, the Council deserved prior awareness. The Council denied claims that it had already been consulted on the redevelopment, asserting that their displeasure arose from the published information suggesting ongoing engagement when none had occurred.

SSNIT and National Security subsequently apologized for their failure to engage the Council prior to the demolition. The Council now expects the redevelopment process to adhere to proper procedures, with the planned project temporarily halted until consultations are concluded. A committee will be formed to review SSNIT's redevelopment proposals and seek an equitable resolution that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders.

The Council is committed to protecting La's interests and ensuring that affected traders, who operated at the beach, are considered and provided with spaces upon completion of the redevelopment.