Kwasi Afreh Biney pledges market stalls for displaced La beach traders

The Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kwasi Afreh Biney, has announced a comprehensive plan to provide market stalls and employment opportunities for traders and hotel staff displaced by recent demolitions at the Labadi beachfront. Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Biney revealed that a committee has already been established to document all affected individuals, ensuring they are reintegrated into the local economy before the upcoming Christmas season. The primary focus of this intervention is to restore the livelihoods of those who operated independent businesses or worked in hospitality facilities along the popular coastal stretch.

A key component of the recovery plan involves the creation of a new African market designed specifically to accommodate local vendors. This market will prioritize those selling traditional foods and artifacts, providing them with a structured and permanent space to conduct their business. In addition to the market stalls, SSNIT is looking to absorb displaced hotel workers into its existing hospitality portfolio. Mr. Biney indicated that employment opportunities will be made available at the SSNIT-owned Labadi Beach Hotel and the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, both of which are prominent landmarks in the area.

The effort to support the displaced community coincides with broader development plans for the region, including the construction of a new Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) center at the nearby Ghana Trade Fair Company site. While the demolitions were necessary for the modernization of the beachfront, the Director-General emphasized that restoration efforts would be expedited to minimize the long-term economic impact on the local community. This initiative follows recent advocacy by the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, regarding compensation for those affected by the clearance.