La Pleasure Beach Demolition: La Traditional Council Contests SSNIT Over Land Ownership

The Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, head of the La Traditional Council, has challenged the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to provide official documentation supporting their claim of ownership over the disputed La beachfront land. SSNIT, the entity that owns the Labadi Beach Hotel, asserts that the land was acquired by the government in 1967.

However, the La Traditional Council contends that the beachfront rightfully belongs to La and demands an immediate suspension of SSNIT's redevelopment plans. During a press conference yesterday, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV stated that SSNIT's claim is invalid, as the Council has been in effective control of the beach for years, and those operating there pay rent to them.

He also mentioned that the Labadi Beach Hotel pays rent for the portion it uses at the beachfront, citing a 2022 letter requesting a 20-year lease. Records held by the Council indicate that 85 vendors pay rent to them, further cementing their ownership and control of the land. The matter will be resolved by a joint committee established to investigate the dispute, with all claims requiring valid documentation.

SSNIT and the National Security have apologized for not consulting the traditional authority before the demolition of the La Pleasure Beach on October 1. The Council announced the suspension of redevelopment plans following a high-level meeting involving SSNIT, the Labadi Beach Hotel management, the Minister for Local Government, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, and other stakeholders.