La Pleasure Beach demolition: Set up committee first before compensation talks – Gov’t told

The management of La Pleasure Beach says a committee must first be constituted to assess the impact of the recent demolition before any discussions on compensation for affected vendors can begin.

Communications Director of LA Pleasure Beach, Abdul Rahman Ashitey, said the committee, expected to be set up by next week, will gather the necessary data on the affected vendors and determine the basis for any compensation.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Ashitey said the proposed committee would comprise the Member of Parliament, the La Traditional Council and management of the LA Pleasure Beach Hotel.

His comments come after the MP for La Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Local
Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah announced that government will set up a committee to determine compensation packages for victims of the La Pleasure Beach demolition.

Appearing before Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, she said details of all affected persons have been compiled to facilitate the process, adding that the committee is expected to be constituted by early next week.

However, Mr. Ashitey disputed the claims, questioning why discussions on compensation had already started when the committee had not yet been formed and the affected persons had not been properly identified.

“Because after the committee is set up, that is when we will get the data for the committee,” he explained.

Mr Ashitey stressed that no compensation arrangement had been agreed upon, saying the figures can only be considered after the committee has completed its assessment.

“Nobody has decided on any compensation,” he stated.

He explained that the demolition was linked to efforts to improve the cleanliness of the beach and create a better environment for visitors.

“The whole thing is about a building at LA Beach Hotel in a bid to keep the beach clean for visitors,” he said.

However, he noted that communication surrounding the exercise was inadequate and that National Security did not engage the relevant stakeholders before the demolition.

“But the communication wasn’t clear to National Security. They didn’t engage anybody before the demolition,” he said.

Mr Ashitey said the immediate priority is therefore to establish the committee, collect reliable information on the affected vendors, and then determine the appropriate way forward, including any compensation.

Also read:

• La Pleasure Beach demolition: Affected persons will be compensated – Naa Odoley Sowah

• La Pleasure Beach expected to reopen within three weeks