Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, has clarified that the recent demolition of structures along the La Beach area in Accra was not connected to the government’s ongoing flood mitigation programme.
His clarification follows an operation that resulted in the demolition of the La Pleasure Beach and Polo Beach Club near the Labadi Beach Hotel, as authorities moved to clear structures and commercial activities along parts of the beachfront.
Military personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, with support from the Ghana Police Service, supervised the exercise. Vendors and businesses operating within the affected area were directed to vacate the premises.
La Beach Demolition Not Part of Flood Control Exercise
In a Facebook post on Friday, October 2, Stan Dogbe stressed that the operation should not be confused with the government’s flood control and drainage improvement projects.
He explained that the demolition along the beachfront was separate from activities being undertaken by the government’s flood mitigation task force.
The task force is currently involved in flood prevention works at locations including Kpeshie Lagoon, East Legon Boundary Road, Oyarifa and areas behind Mayfair Estates.
According to Dogbe, the La Beach operation was conducted under the supervision of National Security following a request from the Labadi Beach Hotel.
Labadi Beach Hotel Requests Beachfront Reclamation
Stan Dogbe said some of the structures removed from the beachfront, including the Polo Beach Club, were permanent structures located in front of the hotel.
He explained that the hotel had raised concerns that the structures and associated commercial activities were affecting the safety, tranquillity, reputation and visitor experience of the facility.
Dogbe indicated that the Labadi Beach Hotel would provide additional information explaining why it sought to reclaim portions of its beachfront.
The development has drawn attention to the management of beachfront properties, tourism facilities and commercial activities along Ghana’s coastline.
Sanitation and Security Concerns Raised
The Deputy Chief of Staff also raised concerns about sanitation and security risks associated with unauthorised and unregulated commercial activities along the beachfront.
He said the accumulation of commercial activities without proper regulation could create sanitation challenges while also raising concerns about public safety and security.
Dogbe added that he had reviewed drone footage and videos of the area before questioning whether the Labadi Beach Hotel was justified in seeking to reclaim its beachfront.
Government Flood Mitigation Projects Continue
The clarification comes as the government continues implementing measures aimed at reducing flood risks in Accra and other parts of Ghana.
The flood mitigation programme includes interventions around waterways, lagoons, drainage channels and other areas considered vulnerable to flooding.
However, Dogbe maintained that the demolition exercise at La Beach should be treated as a separate operation and not as part of the government’s flood mitigation activities.
The distinction is expected to help clarify public understanding of the various demolition exercises, flood control projects and beachfront management activities currently taking place in parts of Accra.
Source: newsthemegh.com