The Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kwasi Afreh Biney, has announced plans to support traders, workers and small business owners affected by the recent demolition of structures along the Labadi beachfront in Accra.
According to Mr Afreh Biney, SSNIT has started documenting displaced individuals and businesses, with the aim of providing alternative trading spaces and livelihood opportunities before the 2026 Christmas season.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the SSNIT Director-General disclosed that a committee had been established to collect detailed information on those affected by the demolition. The exercise covers hotel employees, food vendors, artisans, independent traders and other individuals whose sources of income have been disrupted.
He explained that the initiative would help SSNIT identify people who have lost their livelihoods and determine appropriate support measures, including opportunities to participate in upcoming beachfront redevelopment projects.
Mr Afreh Biney said the committee would explore ways to reintegrate displaced workers and entrepreneurs into the local economy, particularly young people who previously depended on businesses and employment opportunities along the Labadi beachfront.
SSNIT Hotels May Employ Displaced Workers
As part of the proposed support programme, SSNIT-owned Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel are expected to consider employment opportunities for some of the affected workers under their new operational arrangements.
The initiative could provide alternative employment for individuals who lost their jobs following the demolition, while supporting efforts to restore economic activities within the area.
New African Market Planned for Labadi Beach
Mr Afreh Biney also revealed that the revised beachfront redevelopment plan includes a dedicated African market where traders can sell Ghanaian and African food, traditional crafts, cultural artefacts and other locally made products.
The proposed market is expected to create new business opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs and help preserve Ghanaian cultural heritage while improving the commercial appeal of the Labadi beachfront.
SSNIT is also working to accelerate debris removal, restore access roads and provide essential facilities, including public washrooms, to enable affected traders to resume their business activities before Christmas.
Additionally, plans are underway to develop a new Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) centre at the nearby La Trade Fair site. The facility is expected to support business tourism, conferences, exhibitions and other commercial activities.
Committee to Determine Compensation for Affected Businesses
The announcement follows an earlier disclosure by the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mrs Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, that a committee would be established to assess compensation for individuals whose businesses and properties were affected by the demolition.
The ongoing discussions are expected to address the concerns of displaced traders and business owners while supporting the redevelopment of the Labadi beachfront.
The proposed interventions could provide new employment opportunities, alternative trading locations and improved business infrastructure for affected individuals ahead of the Christmas shopping season.
Source: newsthemegh.com