COLA demands fair compensation, accountability after Laboma and La Pleasure Beach demolitions

The Coalition of La Associations (COLA) has demanded immediate and fair compensation for all businesses and vendors affected by the recent demolition exercises at Laboma Beach Resort and La Pleasure Beach, describing the operations as painful, troubling, and economically devastating for families in La.

In a press statement issued and signed by its 1st Vice Chairman, Daniel M. K. Okpoti, COLA said it was deeply disappointed by the manner in which the demolitions were carried out, which left businesses destroyed, livelihoods disrupted and many families uncertain about their future.

For generations, COLA noted, the La coastline has been more than a place of recreation. It has provided employment, supported families, attracted tourists and created opportunities for young people.

It is part of the identity, history and economic life of the La community.

The statement referenced two separate demolition exercises.

On 13th September 2026, several structures at Laboma Beach Resort were demolished by the government's Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force as part of efforts to restore the Kpeshie Lagoon and address flooding in surrounding communities.

Barely three weeks later, on 2nd October 2026, another demolition took place at La Pleasure Beach and the adjoining beachfront, affecting several businesses, including restaurants, bars and other establishments.

COLA stressed that it is not opposed to development, environmental protection or efforts to prevent flooding. We recognise the importance of protecting the Kpeshie Lagoon and ensuring that our communities are safe. But protecting the environment and protecting people's livelihoods should not be treated as competing interests.

Government must be able to do both," the statement said.

The Coalition said its main concern is not simply that structures were demolished, but the manner in which the exercises were carried out and the consequences for ordinary people left to pick up the pieces.

According to the Ghana Tourism Federation, 85 businesses were affected by the demolition at La Pleasure Beach alone, putting approximately 4,000 jobs at risk, many of them belonging to women.

The figures do not include losses suffered by vendors and businesses at Laboma Beach Resort.

COLA said behind every affected business is a family, and behind every lost job is someone who must pay rent, feed children, settle school fees or repay a loan. Some of the businesses had operated for decades.

Reports from La Pleasure Beach, the group said, indicate that some affected operators were given very little time to retrieve their belongings, while others have questioned the adequacy of the notice they received.

You cannot protect a community from flooding while remaining indifferent to the economic hardship your actions leave behind," COLA stated.

COLA placed particular emphasis on compensation, insisting that arrangements must cover victims at both Laboma and La Pleasure Beach.

While acknowledging the announcement of a proposed committee to assess compensation for those affected at La Pleasure Beach as a welcome development, the Coalition said it must not leave out affected vendors and businesses at Laboma Beach Resort.

The demolition exercises may have been undertaken for different reasons, but the hardship suffered by the victims is no different. A trader who has lost a restaurant at Laboma faces the same uncertainty as one whose restaurant was demolished at La Pleasure Beach," the statement said.

COLA therefore called on government and relevant institutions to establish a fair, transparent and properly documented compensation process covering both locations. This must include an assessment of destroyed structures, equipment, furniture, stock and other business assets, as well as consideration of disruption to livelihoods.

Where the legal status of any property is disputed, COLA said the affected person must be given a fair opportunity to present relevant permits, documents and evidence of ownership or investment.

The group also urged authorities to consider immediate relief for those who have lost their principal source of income, particularly small-scale traders, women and vulnerable workers, warning that compensation should not become another long and frustrating process.” The affected vendors are not asking for charity. They are asking for their losses to be fairly assessed and for the responsible institutions to treat them with dignity," COLA said.

COLA said these explanations raise important questions: Why was such a major operation undertaken without adequate engagement with all affected stakeholders?

What consideration was given to businesses that had obtained permits from public institutions?

Was every reasonable opportunity explored to resolve the matter through dialogue before resorting to demolition? Call for Buffer Zone Clarity:

On Laboma Beach Resort, COLA said uncertainty remains over the boundaries of the required buffer zone along the Kpeshie side of the resort.

COLA therefore called on relevant government agencies to expedite the official survey and demarcation of the buffer zone, provide a written demarcation plan to management, and give the necessary guidance to enable construction of a secure perimeter fence without encroaching on the protected area.

The Coalition also welcomed the intention to undertake ecological rehabilitation of the Kpeshie Lagoon and mangrove restoration, but insisted that management of Laboma Beach Resort must be actively involved in consultations, planning and implementation.

COLA outlined eight demands: immediate and fair compensation for affected vendors at both beaches; a halt to further non-emergency demolitions without meaningful consultation; structured engagement involving the La Traditional Council, La DadeKotopon Municipal Assembly, COLA, SSNIT and affected operators; protection of local businesses in any future redevelopment with priority for displaced businesses; an independent review of the conduct of the demolitions; urgent demarcation of the Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone; inclusion of Laboma Beach Resort in ecological restoration plans; and development of a sustainable, comprehensive plan for the entire La coastline.

Ultimatum COLA said it remains committed to peaceful dialogue but cannot remain silent while families struggle.

It has given relevant authorities seven days to provide a meaningful response.

Should concerns remain unaddressed, the Coalition said it will consider further lawful and peaceful action, including petitions to the Presidency and Parliament, peaceful public demonstrations, engagement with civil society and the media, and appropriate legal remedies." We do not seek confrontation. We seek fairness, accountability and respect for our people," the statement said, adding that development must have a human face. "The rubble may have been cleared from the beaches, but the financial and emotional burden remains with the families whose livelihoods were destroyed. “The statement ended with a call for unity among La indigenes, business owners, youth, fishermen, market women, and residents to remain calm and pursue their concerns through peaceful means.