GHATOF demands compensation for 85 demolished La Pleasure Beach businesses

The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) is demanding immediate compensation for 85 businesses that were recently demolished at La Pleasure Beach. The federation warns that the clearance of these enterprises has placed approximately 4,000 jobs in jeopardy, with a significant majority of the affected workers being women. GHATOF has expressed deep concern over the lack of consultation and the disregard for the economic contributions these businesses have made to the local and national economy over several decades.

According to the federation, the demolitions were carried out despite many of the affected businesses holding valid operating permits. GHATOF is now calling for full accountability from the local authorities and public institutions involved in the exercise. In addition to financial compensation, the federation is advocating for the displaced traders to be granted the first right of refusal in any future redevelopment of the beachfront. This measure is intended to ensure that long-standing operators are not permanently displaced by new commercial interests in the area.

The incident has raised broader concerns about the stability of the tourism environment in Ghana. GHATOF emphasizes that such actions threaten to undermine investor confidence, as they signal a lack of protection for established business interests. The federation is urging the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize engagement with the affected traders to find a resolution that supports the future of the tourism sector while protecting the livelihoods of those who have built it.