New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly condemned the recent demolition of the La Pleasure Beach enclave, describing the action as a “wanton” destruction of a vital national, cultural, and economic asset.
In a press statement issued from Kumasi, Dr Bawumia expressed deep sadness and concern over the manner in which the historic beach resort was pulled down, highlighting the severe impact on local livelihoods and businesses.
“La Beach is socially, economically, culturally and internationally significant. It has evolved by itself to become the most vibrant beach resort in Ghana,” Dr Bawumia stated, adding that the site has long served as a crucial hub for international functions and local tourism.
Reflecting on the contribution of the enclave to national development, the Vice President pointed out that during the NPP administration’s tenure, La Pleasure Beach played a pivotal role in supporting the successful “Year of Return” initiative and related global promotional activities that placed Ghana firmly on the international map.
Dr Bawumia described the sudden destruction of the area as particularly painful, taking aim at the manner in which private property was handled during the exercise.
“It’s sad that this very significant enclave has been demolished so wantonly,” he remarked. “It is particularly painful and surprising that even movable assets which the owners could have removed easily were destroyed in a most bizarre fashion.”
Pledging his full commitment to the affected business operators and the broader La community, the NPP flagbearer unveiled a five-point restoration plan aimed at reviving the coastal economy, securing land tenure, and resolving long-standing environmental concerns.
Under the proposed plan, Dr Bawumia promised that a future administration under his leadership would rebuild the beach economy and formally issue proper leases to all business operators to guarantee their tenure security. He further assured that the enclave would be professionally redesigned to meet international standards while ensuring smaller businesses can peacefully coexist alongside major stakeholders such as the Labadi Beach Hotel.
Addressing specific disputes in the area, he pledged to directly engage the owners of Laboma Beach to resolve outstanding regulatory issues and assist them in making their operations fully compliant with the law. Additionally, he committed to tackling long-standing environmental challenges by working on the nearby lagoon to mitigate flooding.
Reiterating his dedication to safeguarding local livelihoods, Dr Bawumia stressed that saving thousands of jobs dependent on the coastal ecosystem remains his utmost priority.
“I am convinced that we must make La beach a major tourist and economic enclave and I pledge my commitment to the people of La, especially the businesses at La beach, to make that happen,” he concluded, reaffirming his resolve to safeguard and enhance the jobs supported by the local beach economy.
