La residents petition Mahama over Laboma, Kajano and Labadi Beach demolitions

Hundreds of protesters from La communities have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama over the demolition of businesses at Laboma, Kajano and Labadi Beach, demanding compensation and government intervention to address the loss of livelihoods.

The demonstration, dubbed “Aaagbe Wɔ”, meaning “They are killing us”, was organised by the Ga-Dangme Progressive Front on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

The protesters, including affected business owners, residents and supporters, marched to Jubilee House to demand justice, engagement with stakeholders and clarity on the future of the demolished sites.

They said the demolitions had destroyed businesses built over several years, leaving owners, workers and their families facing economic hardship.

Among those affected was a business owned by former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Freddie Blay, who joined the demonstration in solidarity with the affected communities.

Mr Blay condemned the demolitions, describing them as “unnecessary demolition” and criticising what he called the “unfriendly and extremely reckless actions of government agents”.

He said the exercise had disrupted businesses that residents had operated for years and which contributed to Ghana’s hospitality industry.

“Overnight, you have broken them down, rendered about three to four thousand people homeless and jobless,” he said.

Mr Blay called for greater consideration of the economic consequences for the affected communities, arguing that the destruction had dealt a severe blow to people whose livelihoods depended on the businesses.

The protesters are demanding compensation for affected business owners, consultations with relevant stakeholders and clear information about plans for the demolished sites.

Presidency receives petition

Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NPP, presented a petition to the Presidency on behalf of the Ga-Dangme Progressive Front.

The petition called on the government to engage the affected communities and address their concerns.

A representative of the Presidency received the document and assured the demonstrators that it would be conveyed to President Mahama, who was out of town at the time.

“We appreciate you for exercising your constitutional right and we promise that the petition is duly accepted and will be presented to the President of the Republic,” the representative said.

The representative also commended the protesters for demonstrating peacefully.

The petition places the concerns of the affected communities before the Presidency, with protesters awaiting a response on compensation, the future of the demolished sites and possible measures to address the loss of livelihoods.