NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has offered a strong message of hope and inspiration to thousands of workers and business owners affected by the demolition of La Pleasure Beach, pledging to rebuild the beach economy, protect livelihoods and transform the area into a properly regulated tourism and economic enclave.
In a firm commitment that places jobs and livelihoods at the heart of his response, Dr Bawumia said an NPP government in 2029, would work with existing businesses, regularise their operations and redesign the space to meet modern standards while ensuring that major investments and smaller enterprises can coexist.
His intervention comes barely a day after a joint security operation involving personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces’ 48 Engineer Regiment and the Ghana Police Service demolished several structures at the beachfront, leaving businesses, workers and operators scrambling to salvage their belongings.
To the NPP flagbearer, the demolition was particularly painful because La Beach had developed into a major economic hub supporting thousands of livelihoods, especially among young people.
He also pointed to the beach’s role in hosting international events and activities associated with Ghana’s tourism drive, arguing that the area had grown beyond an ordinary recreational facility into an important component of the country’s tourism and local economy.
And, rather than stopping at criticism of the demolition widely described as a “rush and inhumane”, the NPP flagbearer went further to outline a five-point plan in what he said would be his administration’s approach to the area.
He pledged to rebuild the La Beach economy and issue leases to businesses, while redesigning the space to meet required standards and assisting existing operators to run compliant businesses.
Dr. Bawumia in the release, again assured of creating space for major establishments such as Labadi Beach Hotel to coexist with smaller businesses; engaging the owners of Laboma Beach to resolve outstanding issues and regularise their operations; while also addressing flooding and environmental concerns around the lagoon.
The proposal effectively places jobs, tourism, private investment and regulation at the centre of the political debate over the future of La Beach.
Dr Bawumia said he was committed to preserving and improving the thousands of jobs supported by the beach economy.
The demolition has already generated political controversy, with competing explanations emerging over the authority and purpose of the exercise.
Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, said the October 2 operation was not part of the government’s flood-mitigation exercise. In a desperate attempt to wean-off the NDC government in the operation, he explained that the exercise was undertaken under National Security supervision following a request from the Labadi Beach Hotel, which had raised concerns about unauthorized and unregulated activities along its beachfront.
The differing positions have therefore placed the future of La Beach at the intersection of land ownership, regulation, tourism development, livelihoods and political accountability.
For Dr Bawumia, however, the immediate issue is what happens to the people and businesses left behind after the demolition.
His statement signals that the future of La Beach is likely to remain part of the broader political conversation over Ghana’s tourism economy, employment and coastal development as the country looks ahead to the 2028 presidential election.
“I am committed to save the thousands of jobs that beach economy supports and to improve them,” Dr Bawumia stated.
