The La Community has declared its intention to challenge any plans to redevelop the La Pleasure Beach Resort without its approval, maintaining that the disputed property belongs to the people of La.
The position comes after the demolition of structures at La Beach in Accra, affecting facilities including La Pleasure Beach and the Polo Beach Club, situated close to the Labadi Beach Hotel.
The demolition was carried out under the supervision of personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces’ 48 Engineer Regiment, with assistance from the Ghana Police Service.
During the operation, traders and operators of businesses in the area were instructed to leave the premises. The exercise has heightened tensions over ownership of the land and raised concerns about the future of businesses operating along the beachfront.
Addressing a press conference, the community’s lawyer, Nsiah Akuetteh, disclosed that legal action had already been initiated over what he described as an unauthorised occupation of the land.
He accused the resort’s management of proceeding with the demolition without first consulting the community and warned that investors who attempt to develop the property without resolving the dispute could also be taken to court. According to him, the use of money or security personnel cannot substitute for legitimate ownership of land.
Mr Akuetteh emphasised that the community remained open to development proposals but insisted that any plans must begin with dialogue and an agreement with the people claiming ownership of the property.
He urged the resort’s management to engage the community and address the concerns of traders and other affected persons to prevent further conflict.
He added that the community would carefully assess any investment proposals and would not allow development to proceed in a manner that undermines its land ownership claims or the livelihoods of residents.