Ghana Tourism Federation demands compensation after La Pleasure Beach demolition

The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) is demanding compensation for 85 businesses destroyed during the demolition of La Pleasure Beach. The federation reports that the demolition has put approximately 4,000 jobs at risk, many of which were held by women working in food vending, general trading, and arts and crafts.

GHATOF President Seth Ocran stated that many of the affected businesses had operated at the beachfront for decades, paying taxes and tourism levies to the state. The federation is seeking accountability from district assemblies and other public institutions that issued the original operating permits, arguing that businesses with official permits should have received adequate notice before demolition.

In addition to financial compensation, GHATOF is advocating for the displaced traders to be given the first right of refusal if the beachfront is redeveloped. The federation warned that destroying permitted businesses without proper warning could damage investor confidence in Ghana’s tourism sector.