La Demolitions Comeuppance: Who Pays Compensation?

Demolitions carried out on La Beach in Accra have raised questions regarding the thought process behind certain government decisions. It is assumed that both the government and President were aware of the planned demolitions and the impact on thousands of families who relied on those areas for their livelihoods. While compensation for the losses is promised, it is likely to be insufficient to ease the pain of the affected families or provide alternative income sources.

The timing of the demolitions and the announcement of compensation raises suspicions about the source of funds and the determination process. The public backlash against the demolitions may have influenced the decision to offer compensation.

Taxpayers and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), the sole shareholder of the Labadi Beach Hotel, are potential parties responsible for the compensation package. The revelation of who granted the final go-ahead for the demolitions and the content of national security briefings given to the President remains unclear. These aspects are crucial in assessing the President's involvement and the appropriateness of the compensation.

The mishandling of the situation, where the demolitions occurred shortly after a narrative of compensation, has been met with skepticism. This raises questions about the source of the compensation, how it will be determined, and whether it is a genuine response to the negative public reaction or merely an attempt to distance the government from the destructive actions.

The timing of the compensation announcement, juxtaposed with teachers striking over unpaid remuneration, further underscores the imprudence of such reckless actions.