SSNIT defends La Beach demolitions, cites risks to hotel investments

The statement follows the demolition of structures along the La Beach area in Accra, including La Pleasure Beach and the Polo Beach Club near the Labadi Beach Hotel.

Military personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, supported by the Ghana Police Service, supervised the operation and directed vendors and businesses operating in the area to vacate the premises.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 2, SSNIT said the two hotels form part of its investment portfolio and constitute significant national hospitality and tourism assets.

It said it therefore had a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard the investments, preserve their value and ensure that they continue to generate sustainable returns for contributors and pensioners under the Basic National Social Security Scheme.

“These assets belong to the workers and pensioners of Ghana,” SSNIT said.

According to the Trust, the continued encroachment posed risks to the safety and security of hotel guests, employees, service providers and visitors, while also creating opportunities for unauthorised access to sensitive guest and operational areas.

It added that the activities increased exposure to fire, sanitation, environmental and public health hazards, as well as contributing to the deterioration of the beachfront, privacy and service standards expected of internationally recognised hospitality facilities.

SSNIT further cited the degradation of the coastal ecosystem through construction activities on the beachfront and beach sand, reputational damage to the hotels and Ghana’s tourism industry, and disruption to hotel operations and guests’ beach experience.

It said the disruption could have an adverse effect on patronage, revenue and the overall financial performance of the hotels.

The Trust also expressed concern that further expansion of the encroachments could make recovery of the affected lands increasingly difficult and costly.

“In view of the foregoing, SSNIT requested support from National Security to protect the assets belonging to Ghanaian workers,” it said.

SSNIT said the beaches would be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state and would remain open to the public.