President Mahama Accused of Ordering La Beach Demolitions as NPP's Bawumia Pledges Economic Restoration

A massive demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach on October 2, 2026, has sparked a heated political row, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) accusing President John Mahama’s administration of undermining the rule of law and destroying local livelihoods. The operation, carried out by a joint task force of military and police personnel, resulted in the destruction of several businesses and cultural hubs, including the Polo Beach Club. The exercise drew immediate condemnation from affected business owners and local representatives, who claimed they were given prior assurances that their structures would be spared despite ongoing land disputes.

The controversy intensified as former NPP Chairman Freddie Blay alleged that President Mahama personally ordered the demolition of the Polo Beach Club, owned by Blay’s son, while the property was still the subject of active litigation. Blay criticized the involvement of National Security and the military, arguing that the court had yet to make a final determination on the property acquired from the La Stool. However, Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe clarified that the exercise was not part of a government-led flood mitigation project. Instead, he stated it was conducted at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel to address sanitation and security concerns that were allegedly compromising the hotel's international reputation.

In response to the destruction, NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia visited the site and pledged to revitalize the beach economy if elected. He described the destruction of movable business assets as "sad" and emphasized the importance of the La beachfront as a vital economic hub, especially for the youth. Bawumia committed to a comprehensive redesign of the area, promising to secure formal leases for operators and ensure that small businesses can coexist with larger establishments like the Labadi Beach Hotel. NPP Director of Communications Dennis Miracles Aboagye echoed these sentiments, criticizing the government for failing to provide a livelihood support fund or alternative spaces for the displaced traders.

The demolition also faced physical resistance on the ground from the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah. During a confrontation with military personnel, Sowah questioned the lack of clarity behind the operation and expressed distress over the significant financial losses suffered by her constituents. While residents and business owners attempted to salvage what remained of their property from the rubble, the incident has highlighted growing tensions over land management and the "beach economy" in the capital. The political fallout continues to evolve as the NPP positions the restoration of La Pleasure Beach as a key pillar of its economic agenda.