The Ga Dangme Council has called on the government to facilitate the return of traders whose structures at the Labadi Pleasure Beach were demolished by National Security operatives.
The council wants the affected traders to resume their businesses under an agreed and lawful arrangement, with urgent consultations among the government, the La traditional authorities and the traders to resolve concerns surrounding the exercise.
In a press statement condemning the demolition, the Council expressed concern about the impact on La subjects who depended on the structures for their trading activities and the upkeep of their families.
The structures, according to the statement, were established by La subjects with the approval of the La traditional authorities and had served as places of business for generations.
The council, therefore, called for an appropriate and sustainable arrangement to enable the traders to resume their businesses while meeting applicable planning, environmental and public-safety requirements.
Background
On October 2, a team of security personnel undertook an exercise, demolishing structures at La Pleasure Beach Resort, Polo Beach Club and Vienna City, following a request by the management of the Labadi Beach Hotel for National Security to clear structures along its beachfront.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which owns the Labadi Beach Hotel and the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, said it requested National Security's intervention to address what it described as unlawful occupation and unauthorised activities along the beachfront, citing security, sanitation, environmental and operational concerns.
The exercise affected several businesses and traders, prompting concerns over the destruction of property and loss of livelihoods.
It also sparked a dispute over the ownership of the land and the involvement of the La Traditional Council.
The council maintains that the land in contention forms part of an area acquired by the government in 1967 for the development of the Trade Fair, arguing that the land was acquired from the La State without compensation and that the traditional authorities should have been consulted before the demolition.
Engagement
The Council urged the government and relevant authorities to engage the La traditional authorities and representatives of the affected traders to find an amicable and equitable solution.
They acknowledged the government's responsibility to maintain public order, enforce the law and regulate activities at the beach, but stressed that such measures should respect the livelihoods and dignity of affected citizens.
The Council expressed concern that the demolition had taken place without adequate consultation, reasonable notice or satisfactory arrangements to address the traders' plight.
Seeks relief for affected traders
The Council urged the government to consider the losses suffered by the traders and take appropriate measures to alleviate the hardship caused by the demolition.
They have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the relevant state authorities to intervene urgently to resolve the matter and facilitate the traders' return to their businesses.
