SSNIT Clears La Beach Structures to Protect Hotel Investments

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) directed the removal of structures and unauthorised occupants from the beachfront adjoining the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Friday, October 2. Personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment and the Ghana Police Service carried out the demolition, affecting businesses including La Pleasure Beach and Polo Beach Club.

SSNIT stated it sought urgent intervention from the National Security Council Secretariat to address what it called persistent unlawful occupation and encroachment. The Trust said the two hotels form part of its investment portfolio and constitute significant national tourism assets, adding it has a fiduciary duty to protect their value and ensure sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners.

“These assets belong to the workers and pensioners of Ghana.”

The Trust cited risks to the safety of hotel guests and staff, unauthorised access to sensitive areas, and increased exposure to fire, sanitation, environmental and public-health hazards. SSNIT also said the occupation had degraded the beachfront condition and coastal ecosystem.

Reacting to the demolition, NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia described the action as wanton and painful, noting that even movable assets were destroyed. He said La Beach is socially, economically and culturally significant, providing livelihoods for thousands, and pledged that an NPP government would rebuild the beach economy, issue leases to each business, redesign the space to meet standards, and engage the owners of Laboma Beach to resolve their issues.