Ga-Dangme Progressive Front petitions President Mahama over beach demolitions

The Ga-Dangme Progressive Front and hundreds of residents from the La community on October 29, 2026, staged a demonstration dubbed "Aaagbe Wɔ Demo" to protest recent demolitions at La Pleasure Beach, Laboma, and Kajano. The group presented a formal petition to the Presidency, addressed to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding the restoration of livelihoods for thousands of traders and business owners whose structures were razed earlier this month. The protesters called for immediate government intervention to address what they described as a lack of transparency and engagement in the redevelopment of these coastal areas.

The demolitions, which occurred on October 2, 2026, were reportedly carried out by National Security operatives following a request from the Labadi Beach Hotel, an entity owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). Affected individuals expressed profound distress over the disruption to their businesses, which they claim has left many unemployed and homeless. The Ga-Dangme Progressive Front’s petition highlights concerns regarding the legality of the operations and the lack of adequate notice given to those impacted, seeking clarity on the remedies and compensation available to the victims.

The demonstration saw participation from prominent political figures, including the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Titus Glover. Addressing the crowd, Glover urged President Mahama to act swiftly to reinstate the traders, emphasizing the economic hardship the exercise has imposed on the Ga-Dangme people. He further challenged traditional leaders in the Greater Accra Region to be more vocal in defending the interests of their communities, noting that chiefs in other regions often play a more proactive role in advocating for their people during such crises.

Former NPP Chairman Freddie Blay also voiced his support for the affected residents, labeling the demolitions as unnecessary. The petition ultimately calls for a structured dialogue between the government and the La community to ensure that future redevelopment plans are inclusive and protect local interests. A representative from the Presidency received the document on behalf of President Mahama, who was away at the time, and assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be formally conveyed to the President for review.