The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has defended the demolition and removal of unauthorised structures and activities around the La Beach area in Accra, saying persistent encroachment posed security, environmental and operational risks to the Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
The statement follows a demolition exercise in the La Beach area, 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 October 2, 2026, SSNIT said it had sought the intervention of the National Security Council Secretariat to address what it described as the persistent unlawful occupation, encroachment and unauthorised activities on the beachfront adjoining and directly in front of the two hotels.
The Trust said Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel form part of its investment portfolio and constitute significant hospitality and tourism assets.
SSNIT said it therefore has a fiduciary responsibility to protect the investments, preserve their value and ensure 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,” the Trust said.
Security and operational concerns
According to SSNIT, the continued encroachment created risks to the safety and security of hotel guests, employees, service providers and visitors.
It also said the activities increased the potential for unauthorised access to sensitive guest and operational areas.
The Trust further cited fire, sanitation, environmental and public-health risks, alongside deterioration of the beachfront and the privacy and service standards expected of internationally recognised hospitality facilities.
SSNIT said construction activities on the beachfront and beach sand were also contributing to the degradation of the coastal ecosystem.
Beyond the immediate physical impact, the Trust said the situation had implications for the reputation of the hotels and Ghana’s tourism industry.
It added that disruption to hotel operations and the guest beach experience could adversely affect patronage, revenue and the overall financial performance of the hotels.
SSNIT seeks to restore beachfront
SSNIT also expressed concern that continued expansion of the encroachments could make recovery of the affected areas 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.
The Trust said the beachfront would be cleaned and restored to a safe and desirable state following the exercise.
It also stressed that the beaches would remain open to the public, indicating that the intervention is intended to address unauthorised occupation and activities rather than restrict public access to the beachfront.
