In Ghana, Laboma director calls for halt to demolitions at Laboma Beach
In Ghana, Laboma director Daniel M. K. Okpoti called on authorities to halt demolitions at Laboma Beach, citing risks to businesses, investors and workers. According to him, enterprises in the area provided jobs for more than 3,000 people, who are now affected by the demolitions.
As MyJoyOnline reports, Okpoti described the demolitions as alarming and expressed disappointment over the potential losses faced by people who had invested significantly in businesses in the area. He urged the government to review its approach and find a solution that would protect the environment and the livelihoods of those working in the area.
Statements on the boundaries of the work
Okpoti also questioned the scale of the demolitions. He said that the Greater Accra regional minister, who visited the site in the morning, stated that work was being carried out beyond the area authorities had initially designated for demolition.
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The Laboma director claims that no water flows through the site where the businesses are located. In his view, if drainage problems are connected to an existing low bridge, authorities could consider raising it instead of demolishing business facilities.
Authorities' ultimatum
The demolitions at Laboma Beach are taking place after a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council on August 7. People occupying the protective buffer zone of the Kpeshi Lagoon were required to leave the area.
Authorities stated that the work is part of measures to restore waterways, demolish unauthorized structures and combat flooding in the Greater Accra region. Okpoti called for the demolitions to be suspended and for consultations with stakeholders to be held in order to take into account lagoon protection, investments and jobs.
